CHILBLAIN TROUBLES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20604, 1 July 1930, Page 5

CHILBLAIN TROUBLES.

HOW TO CURE THEM.

Jn the cold months a large number of people suffer from cold hands and feet, which, if neglected, develop into troublesome chilblain?. This condition is easily preventable and definitely curable. Cold hands and feet and chilblains are due to a sluggish circulation, through insufficient exercise. The most definite remedy is to practice a set of exercises daily, so as to stimulate the blood supply to every part of the body. During the cold weather those whose occupations are sedentary especially suffer. It is in their extremities that the trouble shows itsrlf first, and it is for this reason that wo gob chilblains on our fingers, toes and ears. Discomfort and considerable interference with work through soreness and swelling follow, and even ulcers may develop if tho chilblains are neglected. Hera, then, is tho preventive, which is better than cure n „ . . . , First, do not over-cat. litis is important, as over-eating makes you sluggish and disinclined for exercise. Next, walk briskly for, say, 10 minutes twice a day, more if you have time. Walking quickens tho heart heat and sends tho blood surging nil over the body. If you warm up in this way two or throe times a day, it will help you materially to prevent chilblains. For those who are subject to chilblains, walking may not bo sufficient exorcise, but it will help a great deal if t hey nV'ko it a practice to exercise vigorously ev-ry day for 15 or 20 minutes. .

During this practice, bond tho body freely backward end forward, sideways, and twist it about. Trunk exercises are very helpful and warm you up quickly. Bond the legs fully by squatting upon the heels and rising a number of times, breathing deeply all tho time. Hub the body all over. If you follow these directions, chilblains should speedily disappear. Worse cases, however, will need further treatment, and the following has been found unfailingly successful. Bathe tho hands or feet, as the case may be, in very hot water until they are burning. While they are still in the hot water, squeeze every part of them firmly so as to disturb every cell, movo every scrap of blood and help it out of the tissues. Go over every part several times and then dry them before a Tiro or radiator. Just as they arc getting dry, rub somo cream or vaseline well in. All tho movements should be free from tho finger-tips upward so as to assist the venous blood out of tho part. Where tho skin is broken or tho chilblain too tender to touch, massage as closely to the sore part as possible. It is a good plan to do this at night, and then go to bed with a large size pair of gloves on. No case of chilblains should require more than about a week to cure. Once cured, they can be kept right with a milder form of the same treatment. But remember, regular exercise is the first essential, not only to prevent chilblains, but also for health.