Chilblains

08 Apr Chilblains

Elderly Problems: Chilblains

Psychological Articles on Elderly Problems

By Boomeryearbook.com

According to psychological articles Chilblains is an elderly problem that is caused by exposing the skin to dampness or cold. It is also not exclusively an elderly problem as it can be experienced by young people. Chilblains also show a gender bias in that it is more prevalent in women. What happens is that the small blood vessels beneath the skin become damaged, but without the freezing of tissue as with frost bite, and without any numbness. Chilblains usually does not typically result in any permanent damage, but if left untreated, particularly as an elderly problem, it can do permanent harm.

Symptoms of chilblains are skin redness, itchy skin with inflammation, toe and/or finger skin inflammation, and earlobe inflammation. To treat these symptoms, keep the area warm. As with any itch, avoid scratching it to prevent further skin damage. Use an anti-itch cream to help with the itching. Persons with this elderly problem should avoid exposure to the cold, making especially sure that the hands and feet are kept warm by wearing gloves and warm footwear. Eating a healthy diet and getting enough exercise may also help to prevent chilblains.

So what does the elderly problem of chilblains look like? Well, they usually start off as small, itchy patches on the skin that can then turn a dark blue color with increased swelling and pain. They can also look like swollen patches. Dryness of the chilblains causes them to develop cracks, which increases the risk of infection. They most commonly appear on the hands and feet, specifically the fingers and toes, but they may also affect the nose and ears.

For those of you with the all too common elderly problem of smoking, it is highly suggested that you shed that habit for many health related reasons, this one included. Smoking puts a person more at risk for chilblains because it decreases the circulation of blood. If you do find yourself with this painful condition, be sure not to warm the area too quickly and to take preventative measures to keep the area warm. Chilblains may be a recurring condition or may remit if you remove the circulatory stressor such as smoking. For the present, psychological articles and research have not definitely determined why it is chronic is some persons and remits in others.

The Psychological Article on Chilblains is part of Boomer Yearbook’s continuing series of psychological articles on Elderly problems. We believe knowledge is power. We’d love to hear what you think.

Boomer Yearbook contains Psychological Articles for Baby Boomers. Connect with old and new friends, or expand your mind and ward off senior moments and elderly problems with dream analysis and online optical illusions and brain games provided by clinical psychologist Dr. Karen Turner. Join other Baby Boomers to stay informed, receive weekly Newsfeeds, and let your opinions be heard. Baby boomers changed the world. We’re not done yet!