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Warning-sign checks

Chilblains: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Seek emergency care for skin that becomes hard, waxy, very pale, black, or persistently numb after exposure to freezing temperatures.

    These findings may indicate frostbite rather than chilblains.

    Confusion, marked drowsiness, slurred speech, or uncontrolled shivering after cold exposure may indicate hypothermia and also requires emergency help.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Arrange an appointment sooner if lesions are widespread, unusually painful, or accompanied by other symptoms such as joint pain, mouth ulcers, unexplained fever, or a different rash.

    People with diabetes, reduced circulation, loss of sensation, or a weakened immune system should seek advice promptly about blisters or broken skin.

    These conditions can make wounds harder to notice or heal.

    Seek urgent medical care if there is rapidly spreading redness or discoloration, pus, increasing warmth, severe pain, fever, or an open wound that is worsening.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Routine medical follow-up is appropriate if the skin is not improving after about two to three weeks, if chilblains keep returning, or if they occur without a clear cold trigger.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Chilblains. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.