CHILBLAINS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 74, Issue 144, 20 June 1931, Page 3 (Supplement)

CHILBLAINS

Chilblains can cause more suffering than half a dozen other ailments put together. Chilblains, many doctors inform us. are due to a run-down condition of the blood. One is in need of a tonic and a general warming-up, with plenty of nourishing food. But L took these th’ngs and found they made no difference to iny chilblains. 1 found, remarks a writer in an exchange, upon observation, that other chilblain sufferers were like me. They suffered from bad circulation, had rheumatic pains in different parts of the body, were generally nervy, and caught cold easily. As tonics did no more lor them than me, 1 reasoned that apparently the malady must be due to some peculiarity’of the system brought about by the mode of Jiving. I began to clear my blood by taking regular doses of warm water into which a little orange juice or lemon juice had been squeezed. To improve my circulation 1 took more exercise. I realised that my occupation was against me. 1 spent the best part of my evenings in sharp walking, although it required a great effort. soon found a remarkable change. 1 realised 1 was better, stronger, and that my rheurna tism was leaving me. Also, the chilblain; did not occur with such frequency. 1 persevered, and added plenty of raw fruit to my diet. Then I gradually contributed raw salads. I improved the circulation in my arms and hands by simple exercises such as one learns at school.

My chilblains 1 painted with tincture of iodine. This hardened the skin and prevented them from getting worse in the ease o. old ones that had broken, 1 went on with the old treatment of hot fomentations with boracic lotion and smearing them with camphor ice. As they healed 1 painted the skin with iodine.

1 wore woollen garments next to my skin, woollen, stockings in winter, and easy, comfortable shoes—no boots, as these retard circulation. I have forgotten what it is like to feel the torture of a chilblain, and I really feel they are not a disease in themselves, bur- a symptom of little irregularities in the bodily organism which can be overcome.