Milli explained that she made sure her children had lots of vitamins in their diet.  Lots of fruit and vegetables for Vitamin C  and additional vitamin C tablets in the winter. Also calcium pills helped. 

She said they are very itchy and she used to paint them with calamine lotion.  She suggested any of the anti-itching creams available now might work. 

Milli said her brother got chilblains on his ears and they were really painful. She thinks there is little you can do to get rid of them. They just take their own time.  It certainly seems easier to prevent than cure them.

So in spite of the cold weather outside, try to open windows to air rooms at least some days each week.

Failing that when you get a fine day, wash bedding in hot water and air pillows duvets etc in the sun or wind.  You’ll be amazed at the difference this makes.

If you feel really brave against the cold, leave your bedroom windows open at night throughout the winter so that the bugs don’t get a chance to get cosy inside your home. 

Make sure the windows are securely latched open to deter unwanted intruders.