frostbite?? OMG- why?

[DanceOfThePeachyPlumFairy]

I appear to have frostbite on my feet (3 patches). Why? I don't go out sock or shoeless, and it occurred whilst wearing boots. It's bloody painful and one appears to be going gammy, how on earth did this happen? Dh says I should look up reynaulds (sp) on the net as I have had painfully cold feet for years, how do i now if this is me?

have you seen doc?

frostbite bad and going gammy worrying

one-handed atm, sorry

Ooo. Get yourself off to GP pronto I say.

go to the docs now before they're closed for 3 days.

Could it be chilblains? Can you describe what the 'patches' look like?

Picture of chilblains here .

Description of frostbite:

In early (superficial) frostbite in the unthawed state, the skin is yellow-grey, painless, numb and leathery to the touch - pain (lots of it!) occurs as re-warming takes place. In deep frostbite, the tissue is hard, white and obviously frozen like a piece of chicken from a freezer, and medical advice must be sought as soon as possible.

Are you sure it is frostbite? I would try to heat the area gently and get to the docs if you can.

I have had very mild frostbite before, climbing snow covered hills wearing a t-shirt (I was 15!!) and the best thing to do is gently heat the area to body temp! Putting it under someones armpit is good !

BBC Health on frostbite - can't find any pictures - does the description sound like what you have?

Definitely think you should see a doctor - or ring NHS Direct first, and describe it to them? As you have poor circulation anyway it is quite possible but I hope it isn't that.

I think the chillblain pic looks exactly like it. So is it a bad circulation thing?

can't get to GP- stuck at home, no car, three kids (for the few whop don't know ds1 has sn and I can't take him out without a second adult)

Not just bad circulation, but that will make you more likely to get them because your feet will feel colder than normal. When I was a kid (in the Stone Age!) and nobody had central heating they were very common - I can remember playing out in ordinary socks and wellies, coming in with freezing cold feet and sitting right in front of the fire - got them every winter (the itching was hell!).

If you make sure your feet are really warm before you put on socks and boots to go outside, that would help; maybe get boots a size larger than normal and wear some really thick woolly socks (walkers' socks are good).

Yes,chilblains are connected to poor circulation. I haven't had them for several years but this winter they are back with a vengeance!

You don't necessarily have to see your GP as you can buy over the counter remedies. The best one is a cream by Nelsons (homeopathic). I currently have Boots own version which isn't as effective but will do till I can get some Nelsons.

If the skin cracks, splits, whatever you could get an infection in which case you must see your GP.

HTH.Let me know if you need any more suggestions

Ah JanH beat me to it!

Must emphasise Janh's advice - DO NOT put your feet onto a hot water bottle or on the radiator!

Thermal socks and insoles are helful too

Thank you guys.

AM going to see GP after NY as feet deffo not right (other one is purple with heating on) and will keep an eye on the infected bit but.. ne need to panic then! Ta