Swollen fingers in the winter .. causes and methods of treatment
Weather of Arabia - One of the common health problems in winter is the occurrence of swelling in the fingers that appears in the form of red, inflamed and itchy bumps on the skin, which usually happens to the extremities, fingers of the hands or toes, and may also affect the nose and ears, but less commonly.
Swelling of the fingers (Chilblains or (CHILL-blayns)) occurs when exposed to cold weather. Swelling of the fingers in winter is a type of dermatitis caused by an abnormal response of blood vessels after exposure to cold and damp conditions. Swelling of the fingers usually appears after exposure to cold weather. Within a few hours, it appears as red or blue-purple bumps that itch or burn, and in extreme cases, these bumps can ulcerate.
Reasons for swollen fingers in winter
When we are exposed to cold, blood vessels close to the skin constrict to conserve body heat, which reduces blood flow. When we return to a normal temperature, these blood vessels dilate again. It is believed that chilblains are caused by inflammation caused by this process.
Warming up also causes swelling of the fingers by trying to warm the hands and directing them directly to the heater, and this may cause a sudden rush of blood flow to the narrowed blood vessels, causing swelling and the appearance of red spots.
This itchy swelling can last from a few weeks to the whole winter.
Among the most affected by swelling in the fingers in winter are the elderly, those who suffer from poor blood circulation, those who are underweight, and smokers, as nicotine impedes the functioning of blood vessels.
Treating swollen fingers in winter
Mostly, swollen fingers are cured when the cold weather ends, and you can follow some methods that help treat swollen fingers in winter, including:
1. Warm your hands and feet
Of course, the best treatment for swollen fingers in winter is primarily to take the necessary precautions for prevention, this means protecting your body from the cold by wearing suitable outer clothing, and taking care to warm your hands during the winter season, and this by wearing gloves and socks, and avoiding exposure to cold water, with Be careful not to warm it too much by directing it to a heat source or massaging it, as it leads to increased swelling.
2. Avoid getting the ends wet
Also consider keeping your hands and feet dry, as moisture makes the body cooler and cooler, and some people sweat when wearing socks, so they may need to change the socks if they get wet.
3. Exercise
Exercise improves blood circulation and increases blood flow to the extremities, which reduces the effect of cold weather.
4. Dietary supplements
Taking nutritional supplements under medical supervision is one of the important things for those who suffer from swollen fingers in winter. Among the nutritional supplements that help get rid of finger swelling are the types that contain vitamin B, calcium, magnesium, potassium and phosphate, which help improve blood circulation and increase blood flow. the blood.
5. Healthy food
Eating healthy food helps to recover from swollen fingers in winter, especially foods that produce energy in the body, including nuts, vegetables, dried fruits, meat and milk, which help warm the body and supply it with the energy needed to enhance blood circulation.
6. Consult a doctor
When the swelling of the fingers continues without the disappearance of its symptoms for more than 3 weeks, you should go to the doctor, as some types of creams that help reduce inflammation are prescribed.
The doctor may also prescribe blood pressure medications that help open narrow blood vessels close to the surface of the skin, which helps reduce inflammation and pain.
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