CHILBLAIN Meaning and
Definition
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Chilblain is a noun that refers to a painful inflammation of the skin caused by prolonged exposure to cold and damp conditions. It typically affects the extremities, such as the fingers, toes, ears, and nose. Chilblains result from a combination of cold temperatures, poor circulation, and the body's inflammatory response to these conditions.
The symptoms of chilblains include redness, swelling, itching, and the formation of small, tender, and sometimes blistered areas on the affected skin. The affected areas may also feel hot to the touch and can be accompanied by a burning or prickling sensation. Chilblains usually develop within a few hours to a couple of days after exposure to cold and improve on their own within a couple of weeks.
Prevention of chilblains involves keeping the affected areas warm and dry, avoiding sudden changes in temperature, and wearing appropriate protective clothing in cold weather. Treatment may include gently rewarming the affected areas, applying topical creams to alleviate discomfort and itchiness, and taking over-the-counter pain relievers if necessary. In severe cases, medical attention may be required.
Chilblains are more common in individuals with poor circulation, such as the elderly, those with Raynaud’s syndrome, or underlying vascular conditions. It is important to protect oneself from extreme cold to prevent the occurrence of chilblains, as repeated episodes may lead to complications such as infections or ulcerations.
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Pernio; erythema of the hands and feet, with burning and itching sometimes with chapping and ulceration, caused by damp cold.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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An inflammatory sore on the skin produced by cold.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for CHILBLAIN
- chillblains
- xhilblain
- vhilblain
- fhilblain
- dhilblain
- cgilblain
- cbilblain
- cnilblain
- cjilblain
- cuilblain
- cyilblain
- chulblain
- chjlblain
- chklblain
- chillblain
Etymology of CHILBLAIN
The word "chilblain" comes from the Old English word "ceole" or "ciele", meaning "throat" or "gullet". In Old English, "blán" meant "blister" or "swelling". The combination of these words resulted in "ceoleblán" or "cieleblán", which initially referred to throat inflammation. Over time, the meaning of the term shifted to describe inflammation and swelling of the fingers, toes, or other extremities caused by exposure to cold and damp conditions. The word eventually evolved into "chilblain" as we use it today.
Similar spelling words for CHILBLAIN
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