Cold feet and chilblains are particularly common in South Australia and Victoria during winter — and are more than just a minor inconvenience. For people with poor circulation, Raynaud's phenomenon, or those who work outdoors, cold-related foot conditions can cause significant pain and skin damage. Here's what you need to know.
Why do my feet get so cold?
Cold feet are most commonly caused by reduced blood flow to the extremities. When the body is cold, it redirects blood away from the hands and feet toward the vital organs in the core. In people with adequate circulation, the feet warm up quickly once you're in a warm environment. In people with poor peripheral circulation, the feet can remain cold for extended periods.
Common causes of chronically cold feet include:
- Raynaud's phenomenon — a condition where the small blood vessels in the extremities overreact to cold, causing extreme pallor, then blueness, then redness as circulation returns
- Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) — narrowing of the arteries reduces blood flow to the legs and feet
- Anaemia — reduced red blood cell count means less oxygen is carried to the extremities
- Hypothyroidism — an underactive thyroid slows metabolism and reduces peripheral circulation
- Diabetes — peripheral neuropathy and vascular disease both contribute to cold, poorly perfused feet
- Smoking — nicotine causes vasoconstriction, significantly reducing peripheral blood flow
What are chilblains?
Chilblains (pernio) are small, itchy, inflamed patches that develop on the skin in response to cold and damp conditions. They most commonly affect the toes, heels, and fingers. They appear as red, swollen, intensely itchy or burning patches that may blister if severe.
Chilblains are caused by an abnormal reaction of the small blood vessels to cold — they constrict in the cold, then dilate rapidly on rewarming, causing the characteristic inflammatory response. They are more common in people with poor peripheral circulation, women, and those who are underweight.
Preventing chilblains
- Keep feet warm — wear thermal socks and insulating footwear in cold weather
- Avoid sudden temperature changes — don't warm cold feet rapidly with hot water bottles or directly in front of a heater
- Keep the whole body warm — this reduces the peripheral vasoconstriction that causes chilblains
- Use a circulation-stimulating foot cream regularly during winter
- Avoid tight footwear that restricts circulation
Treating chilblains
Most chilblains resolve on their own within 2–3 weeks if the skin is kept warm and protected. Management includes:
- Applying a warming, circulation-stimulating cream such as Akileine Akilwinter
- Keeping the area clean and moisturised to prevent skin breakdown
- For broken or blistered chilblains, applying a wound dressing to protect the skin
- Avoiding scratching — despite the itch, scratching damages the already fragile skin
Recommended products
Browse our cold feet and chilblains collection for products designed to improve peripheral circulation and protect vulnerable skin in cold weather. Our range includes:
- Akileine Akilwinter Chilblain Cream — specifically formulated to prevent and treat chilblains
- Akileine Cold Feet Warming Cream — stimulates peripheral circulation for chronically cold feet
- Circulation and compression products — compression socks and sleeves to improve venous return
Disclaimer: Persistent cold feet, significant colour changes in the extremities, or non-healing chilblains should be assessed by your GP to rule out an underlying vascular or systemic cause.