Part of Speech

noun

Pronunciation

/ˈtʃɪlˌbleɪn/

Definitions

• A painful, itching swelling on the skin caused by exposure to cold and wet conditions, typically occurring on the hands and feet.
• A condition where blood vessels in the skin constrict in response to cold, resulting in red, swollen, and often itchy areas on the skin, particularly in extremities.

Usage Examples

• "After walking in the snow without gloves, she developed chilblains on her fingers."
• "The cold, wet weather caused many people in the village to suffer from chilblains during the winter months."

Etymology

The word "chilblain" comes from the Old English "cildblæne," where "cild" means "child" and "blæne" means "blain" or "sore." It was originally thought to affect children more, though it can occur in adults as well.

Synonyms

• Cold sore
• Frostbite (milder form)

Antonyms

• Comfort
• Warmth
• Heat

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

In different regions, "chilblain" may be pronounced slightly differently based on local dialects. For instance, in Southern Europe, the "i" in "chilblain" may be pronounced longer than in Northern Europe, where it is often clipped to a shorter vowel sound.

Historical Usage

The term "chilblain" has been in use since the 16th century. Historically, it was more common in colder climates and in people who were regularly exposed to cold and wet conditions. Though less common today due to modern heating and clothing, it still affects individuals in colder regions during winter.

Cultural Nuances

In some cultures, chilblains are associated with winter holidays, where people might wear inadequate clothing in the cold, leading to this condition. It is often viewed as a temporary nuisance, but in severe cases, it can cause permanent skin damage and scarring.

More Information

Chilblains occur when the skin is exposed to cold, particularly when transitioning from cold to warm conditions. It is important to keep extremities warm and dry to prevent chilblains. Treatment includes avoiding further exposure to cold and applying soothing creams or medications to reduce inflammation and itching. In severe cases, medical attention may be needed.