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Severely itchy lumps on toes from cold weather

(5 discussions)

I have seen four doctors for this problem, and gotten no help.
I am unemployed and do not have health insurance, so I am hoping to get a little advice on here.
This is not life threatening or anything like that, but it’s driving me crazy.
In warm weather I never have any problems at all.
As soon as the outdoor temperatures get near or below freezing, this starts up, and everytime my feet get chilled it re-occurs all winter long.
The symptoms are: Red lumps on my toes that swell outward and form lumps. They occur within a few hours after my feet get very cold.
These lumps itch so much that I can not sleep at night.
The itch seems to go deeply into the toe, and are painful when I press on them, but the itching is more of a problem than the pain.
They occur on the top, bottom or between the toes, and generally in the same places every year.
They are generally on all toes except the big toes.
If they occur between the toes, the swelling causes the lump to rub on the toe next to it and causes more irritation.
These lumps are generally 1/8″ to 1/4″ in size.
The doctors have told me that it is NOT athletes foot or anything like that.
They say I have toes that are sensitive to cold (I knew that).
They said the only solution is to not let my feet get chilled.
While this advice makes sense, I live on an Iowa farm.
It gets cold here in winter.
I have farm animals to care for, firewood to cut, etc.
Keeping my feet toasty warm, no matter how well I try, is just not always possible.
The last doctor I saw, said he thinks I have gotten frostbite on these toes in the past (which is very likely).
He said these toes are now sensitive to the cold, and went on to say that I might have a thing called “Chill Bane” (I just guessed the spelling).
Looking on the web for that spelling brought up nothing useful.
So, I really can not find out much more.
I was just awoken early once again because of the itching, and decided to search the web some more to find some sort of help.
The doctor said there is nothing I can apply to stop the itching.
I have tried some anti-itch creams for insect bites, along with iodine, alcohol, vaseline, and other lotions.
None seem to do much.
However, I did find by accident that pouring straight bleach on the spots and leaving it dry tends to calm down the itch for several hours.
The bleach does not burn my skin, as some people suggested.
Why the bleach helps, I do not know, but I often find myself getting up in the middle of the night to apply bleach, or the itching will drive me out of my mind.
I’d sure appreciate any help with this.
I agree that bleach is probably not the best “medicine”, but it’s all that helps.
I sure hope to find some sort of information, and possibly some sort of medication that I can get over the counter, or prescribed.
Thanks for all advice.
If someone wants to see a picture, I do have a digital camera.George


5 comments

    Vivian Abrams DPM

    9 10

    You probably have Chilblains. This is also called Pernio. Do a Google search and you will get alot of information.Hope this helps.

      Avatar

      9 10

      Thanks Dr.A – I found some sites with info and pictures, and yes, the pictures and symptoms are correct. That is what the doctor said, but I was off on the spelling. Aside from keeping warm, which is not entirely possible for a farmer like myself, what can I do, at least for relief. There does not seem to be much for remedys on the web.
      George

        Vivian Abrams DPM

        9 10

        I did a search on Google for electric heated socks. There are several companies that make these items. Among them are Hammacher Schlemmer and Thunderbolt. This seems to be a good idea for your problem.Hope this helps.

    Avatar

    9 10

    I am currently experiencing the same problem and was able to locate to simple home remedies online. 1) Get some slices of onions and sprinkle salt on them and take some slices of onions and rub them on the affected area. I have not tried this method as I want to try the next recommended method. 2) If one suffers from chilblains, heres deliverance. Chop up half a kilo of turnips in their skins. Boil in about 3-4 litres of water till soft. Soak the affected part in the water while it is still hot but bearable, rubbing pieces of turnip over the inflamed surfaces. The salts and essential oils present in the turnip act as an astringent while fomentation improves circulation in the extremities. All the best.

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    9 10

    Im not an expert on toes or profess to be anywhere near one. But like many, I sometimes try different things for various problems, until I find one that works. For your toes, lets see, if you get a foot spa and spend 20mins every evening soaking in it ( and enjoy the warmth, and bubbles). When it is dry why not try rubbing the affected area with cider vinegar for say 5 minutes. Persist for say 3 weeks. If it works 3 weeks should tell. Failing so, after that, try rubbing pure tea tree oil. Again for another 3 weeks. Incidentally if there is any hard skin involved the area, you will need to puma them off after the foot spa. There, hope this helps. If not at least you’ve tried something !!

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