My name is Stephan and I have suffered from chilblains since I was a young child. It’s been a long journey of pain and frustration, but I’m determined to tell my story in the hopes that it can help others.
Growing up, chilblains were a constant problem for me. My family worried about me, and I would constantly have to explain what was happening to me. Even in the warmest of temperatures, I would get patches of red and swollen skin on the backs of my hands and feet. It was itchy, and the only thing that could bring some relief was to warm them up gradually.
At first, I was unable to get proper diagnosis or treatment for my chilblains. Doctors told me there was nothing that could be done, and I had to learn to manage my symptoms on my own. Over time, I learned which activities triggered a flare-up and which medicines I could take to help ease my symptoms.
I found that, in addition to avoiding cold temperatures, the most effective way to manage and prevent chilblains flare-ups was to keep my skin warm and dry. I started wearing special gloves and socks to help keep my skin warm in cold weather. I also made sure to keep my skin moisturized and avoid any activities that could cause friction or irritation. Each of these small measures has made a huge difference in my life.
Although chilblains have been a lifelong struggle, I’m grateful that I’ve been able to find ways to manage my symptoms. With the help of lifestyle changes, medications, and supportive friends and family, I’ve been able to live a much more normal and comfortable life. Drawing strength from my experiences and struggles with chilblains, I hope to help others learn the necessary steps to manage the condition.