chilblains on side of thigh!

[Courtneydressage95]

I came home just before Christmas and thought I had been bitten by some sort of gnat/ bug/ spider & was having an allergy. Reaction. Bright red/ purple 2/3 bites ( what I thought were bites) So itchy. Thinking they were bites off I went to the chemist- chemist confirmed they were allergic reaction to bites. Sent me on my way with antihistamine & some histamine cream. Anyway bites didn’t improve- even more itchy angry and sore. Bites now look like purple bruised, that change colour. Back to the GP who diagnosed me with every dermatology issue known to man.

Went to dermatologist who literally laughed.. what do you do as a job- umm I ride and teach horse riding. She responded that’s chilblains. Me thinking wonderful give me a cream to fix it she told me it’s a pain in the arse to get rid of. Especially when you’re outside in the cold all day. Basically say warm.

I’ve put copious amounts of witch hazel, bio oil, thick cream they gave me that smells revolting.

Please has anyone got any hacks to get rid of this god awful thing!
1. Because it’s actually bloody painful.
2. I'm praying it doesn’t scare my legs as im getting married this year and my friends hen is abroad. So would rather not look like I have a tropical disease!

Please anything that’s helped you- miracle cream/ oil. Fluff lined thermal trousers. Anything would be greatly appreciated

I’ve got an equidry but I can’t stand riding it it!

Thank you thank you thank you x

 

[Zoeypxo]

I get them on my hands and thighs.
Sorry to say some of mine have left scars!
You need to invest in some waterproof trousers to wear over the top of your jods/leggings, or get some thermals for underneath. I find 2 layers stops them

 

[Red-1]

I had it, it was from a vitamin deficiency. I can't remember if it was B12 or D3, as I was deficient in both. Cured once I was correctly supplemented, with the appropriate co-factors.

 

[paisley]

Anything that improves circulation so plenty of layers (tights etc), I’m sure I use to use Deep Heat, and had tablets from the GP for circulation- gave me mad flushes like menopause (I was mid twenties ) but it did work. Yes, it’s bloody painful but it did go and no scarring. You could always get a spray tan if you’re not happy for the hen.

 

[honetpot]

I have had those, the gap between my woolly leg warmers, it was that long ago, and my woolly jumper. Mine were caused by getting my legs cold and then sitting on a storage heater, once I realised I stopped sitting on the heater. They are usually caused by rapid vasodilation after the skin gets cold. I would work out how to stop your thighs getting so cold, perhaps woolly under layers, thermal long knickers.

 

[marmalade76]

I don't think there is any treatment and the only way to stop getting them is not to get cold! I only get them on my feet now (I don't spend all day outside anymore) and all it takes one cold day! I've been getting them on my feet since I was a child so I perhaps I've always had bad circulation, I used to get white finger too, but that stopped after pregnancy (children are in late teens now).

 

[marmalade76]

I have had those, the gap between my woolly leg warmers, it was that long ago, and my woolly jumper. Mine were caused by getting my legs cold and then sitting on a storage heater, once I realised I stopped sitting on the heater. They are usually caused by rapid vasodilation after the skin gets cold. I would work out how to stop your thighs getting so cold, perhaps woolly under layers, thermal long knickers.

I'm afraid I don't believe the "putting your feet next to the fire" reason, I've had chilblains on my feet since primary school and got them on my thighs as a teen/early 20s and back then I lived in cold houses with no central heating, I never sat on heaters 'cause we didn't have any and I don't remember ever warming my feet in front of the fire.

 

[The Fuzzy Furry]

Old (wives tale) was to pee on chilblains, I've never tried it though.

Snowfire ointment 3 x a day, cover with decent wool or silk tights and insulated trousers or breeches.

 

[honetpot]

I'm afraid I don't believe the "putting your feet next to the fire" reason, I've had chilblains on my feet since primary school and got them on my thighs as a teen/early 20s and back then I lived in cold houses with no central heating, I never sat on heaters 'cause we didn't have any and I don't remember ever warming my feet in front of the fire.

I have had chilblains on my feet in a house with no central heating. The times I have had them are when my feet have got very cold, due to a known reason and they stopped when I removed that reason.
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/chilblains/

 

[AthenesOwl]

Poor you! As a fellow sufferer of chilblains, you have my sympathies. The pain and itching is so dreadful.

I’d suggest multiple layers to keep you warm, rather than one thick layer, and don’t do anything like try to warm yourself too quickly with direct heat such as a hot water bottle.

The worst ones I ever got were on my toes when I lived in a flat with no central seating as a student and got into the habit of warming my ice block-like feet on a hot water bottle while studying. The very young shop assistant in Boots had actually never heard of chilblains when I asked if they had anything that would help, and a lovely older woman took over and offered some ointment that didn’t really do anything much.

I was recommended Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream at one point, which seemed to help a bit, and probably worth a try given that you’re getting married.

 

[Identityincrisis]

I get these on my feet and they are so painful. I don’t get them on my legs but i use the fur lined leggings from Primark everyday now, they are so warm, i can wear them under some jods too

 

[Molly22]

I feel your pain. I used to get chilblains on my feet. They were so painful and after a few days will turn into open sores. I bought some heated boot socks and haven’t touch wood had any since.
Uhip do a riding skirt. I haven’t ridden in mine but it does keep my legs extremely warm.

 

[Lucky Snowball]

I have them on my toes and ears. Yes, painful. I hope you don’t get scars.

 

[Lois Lame]

I have had those, the gap between my woolly leg warmers, it was that long ago, and my woolly jumper. Mine were caused by getting my legs cold and then sitting on a storage heater, once I realised I stopped sitting on the heater. They are usually caused by rapid vasodilation after the skin gets cold. I would work out how to stop your thighs getting so cold, perhaps woolly under layers, thermal long knickers.

Yes, my mother told me a long time ago that chilblains are caused by applying hot water to cold hands. So I've never warmed my hands quickly if they get cold.

Absolutely agree with you re adding another layer for warmth.

Everyone else: two words: thermal underwear. It's very comfortable, isn't bulky, doesn't matter if it's men's - no one's going to see it, and needn't be expensive. My first thermal underwear was men's because I'd borrowed them from my husband's drawer. Brilliant stuff, and doesn't even cost anything if you nic someone else's.

ETA: Oh, I've never had a chilblain because of my mother's words.

 

[Kaylum]

Yes thermal underwear. It's not just your core you need to keep warm it's the whole of your body. I always have 2 layers on my legs. I also use extra strong hemp cream before going out in the cold.

 

[Squeak]

When I was working with horses I got horrendous ones on my thighs too, they did take a while (years) for the marks from them to go unfortunately. Once I swapped to an office job, I never got them again even when I ride and look after my own horses in horrendous weather.

I'd probably try and have more layers on your legs and keep yourself warmer. You have my sympathy though, they are so painful and itchy. I can't remember what cream I used on them but I think there would have been a very good chance it would have been 8 hour cream as I swear by it for most things.

 

[ILuvCowparsely]

I came home just before Christmas and thought I had been bitten by some sort of gnat/ bug/ spider & was having an allergy. Reaction. Bright red/ purple 2/3 bites ( what I thought were bites) So itchy. Thinking they were bites off I went to the chemist- chemist confirmed they were allergic reaction to bites. Sent me on my way with antihistamine & some histamine cream. Anyway bites didn’t improve- even more itchy angry and sore. Bites now look like purple bruised, that change colour. Back to the GP who diagnosed me with every dermatology issue known to man.

Went to dermatologist who literally laughed.. what do you do as a job- umm I ride and teach horse riding. She responded that’s chilblains. Me thinking wonderful give me a cream to fix it she told me it’s a pain in the arse to get rid of. Especially when you’re outside in the cold all day. Basically say warm.

I’ve put copious amounts of witch hazel, bio oil, thick cream they gave me that smells revolting.

Please has anyone got any hacks to get rid of this god awful thing!
1. Because it’s actually bloody painful.
2. I'm praying it doesn’t scare my legs as im getting married this year and my friends hen is abroad. So would rather not look like I have a tropical disease!

Please anything that’s helped you- miracle cream/ oil. Fluff lined thermal trousers. Anything would be greatly appreciated

I’ve got an equidry but I can’t stand riding it it!

Thank you thank you thank you x

I have had these and god the shower was . painful just time with me and warm clothing

 

[rabatsa]

I wear ski trousers when out and about doing farm chores. I have never tried to ride in them but they have stopped me getting cold legs.

 

[Rowreach]

I remember these, they were awful. Villains generally affect extremities, and thighs apparently for that bill!

Thin layers to keep you warm on the outside, ginger in any form for your insides, plus vitD, vit B complex and zinc (zinc is brilliant for boosting immune systems and healing) and try to avoid rapid warning up after getting cold.

It's not so much the sitting on radiators that does it, it's moving between extreme temperature environments, so trying to stay warmer in cold conditions and not too hot indoors will help.

And don't scratch them! My go to for topical application is the Vaseline aloe vera lip salve in the round green tin, it takes the itch out beautifully.

ets I like "villains" too much to correct it, but obviously it should say chilblains

 

[I'm Dun]

I had it, it was from a vitamin deficiency. I can't remember if it was B12 or D3, as I was deficient in both. Cured once I was correctly supplemented, with the appropriate co-factors.

OMG me too. I just didnt realise till you posted. I'd not had any since until this winter when life went a bit mad and I let my b12 and vit d get low again!

 

[Char.barker]

I came home just before Christmas and thought I had been bitten by some sort of gnat/ bug/ spider & was having an allergy. Reaction. Bright red/ purple 2/3 bites ( what I thought were bites) So itchy. Thinking they were bites off I went to the chemist- chemist confirmed they were allergic reaction to bites. Sent me on my way with antihistamine & some histamine cream. Anyway bites didn’t improve- even more itchy angry and sore. Bites now look like purple bruised, that change colour. Back to the GP who diagnosed me with every dermatology issue known to man.

Went to dermatologist who literally laughed.. what do you do as a job- umm I ride and teach horse riding. She responded that’s chilblains. Me thinking wonderful give me a cream to fix it she told me it’s a pain in the arse to get rid of. Especially when you’re outside in the cold all day. Basically say warm.

I’ve put copious amounts of witch hazel, bio oil, thick cream they gave me that smells revolting.

Please has anyone got any hacks to get rid of this god awful thing!
1. Because it’s actually bloody painful.
2. I'm praying it doesn’t scare my legs as im getting married this year and my friends hen is abroad. So would rather not look like I have a tropical disease!

Please anything that’s helped you- miracle cream/ oil. Fluff lined thermal trousers. Anything would be greatly appreciated

I’ve got an equidry but I can’t stand riding it it!

Thank you thank you thank you x

Primark fluffy leggings. Also used to get a calamine and glyerine cream from boots but not sure they make it anymore. It has zinx oxide in it so I’m sure theres good alternatives.

 

[Exasperated]

I get them on my hands and thighs.
Sorry to say some of mine have left scars!
You need to invest in some waterproof trousers to wear over the top of your jods/leggings, or get some thermals for underneath. I find 2 layers stops them

This. It’s the insulating gap between fabrics.
Two layers, essential prevention if you’re a susceptible person (or have started becoming so).
Used to be SO common among hunt grooms in the 70s and 80s, firstly there was a lot more freezing and snowy weather; secondly employers absolutely expected their horses would be ridden out every day, regardless, to keep them fit; thirdly there were almost no indoor schools; fourthly - by then, thick Bedford cord breeches had been abandoned in favour of figure-hugging, thin nylon jodhpurs - nightmare.
Full length suede chaps over the top were good, but today it’s possible to buy chaps lined with Polartec, or use over trousers, or extra large ski-pants to save your thighs.
Recent cold snap: Catago Teddy Fleece riding tights round the house and yard, topped with chaps for riding in the snow, great combi.
Try Sno Fire anti chilblain stick, and try not to heat your cold legs up too fast, try not to rub / itch them.Tempting to lean on a red hot radiator, but will aggravate. Unless they’ve been bleeding a lot, unlikely to scar, though.
Congratulations on the engagement!

 

[maya2008]

My daughter gets them. Hydrocortisone cream to start to reduce itching. Then just keep warm! Thermal leggings, ski pant type waterproofs, decent coat, thick socks and gloves. If you’ve got one you can get more.

 

[Flowerofthefen]

I feel for you. I've had them on my thighs and it's bloody painful. I got some cream from the doctors which worked a treat. I now wear a riding skirt when it's cold which has worked beautifully.

 

[Exasperated]

I feel for you. I've had them on my thighs and it's bloody painful. I got some cream from the doctors which worked a treat. I now wear a riding skirt when it's cold which has worked beautifully.

Agree, a well designed riding skirt is really useful, altho some of the styles are a bit debatable if on a skittish horse. Eqco will make them bespoke, waterproof, range of colours, and they’re excellent.

 

[Courtneydressage95]

I get them on my hands and thighs.
Sorry to say some of mine have left scars!
You need to invest in some waterproof trousers to wear over the top of your jods/leggings, or get some thermals for underneath. I find 2 layers stops them

Thank you! I’ve just order some breezeup waterproof full seat jockey breeches . They looked the warmest and the most comfy x

 

[Courtneydressage95]

I feel for you. I've had them on my thighs and it's bloody painful. I got some cream from the doctors which worked a treat. I now wear a riding skirt when it's cold which has worked beautifully.

Where did you get your riding skirt from? X

 

[Courtneydressage95]

Thanks everyone! I’ve ordered some breeze up jockey waterproof trousers- they looked the most comfy and suede bum! I’ll also look at some of the creams you’ve recommended.

They are so painful sometimes. Bloody awful things. I did think I was dying of some sort of skin disease when they didn’t go. So I am relived they are chilblains a bit.

Thanks all x

 

[Catbird]

I've got them on my toes this year after years of not having them. I used to use a chilblain cream but pharmacist said they don't make it anymore and to try ibroprofen gel. Seemed to do the trick

Agree that best bet is to try and not get cold (haha!). I've got neoprene wellies, super warm Rab coat, fleece lined riding tights and weirdly the only thing that stops my fingers going white is wearing fingerless gloves. My hands get cold even in ski gloves unless I wear fingerless ones inside them

 

[Flowerofthefen]

Where did you get your riding skirt from? X

It's a covalliero (sp) one. It was around £50 I think