Supergrooms get chilblains too

#Supergroom and BGA member, Francesca Gorni, has been travelling groom to Tom McEwen Eventing for almost five years.

During her career with Tom, Francesca has groomed at top level events, such as the Tokoyo Olympics and the World Eventing Championships.

We caught up with Francesca to talk about chilblains and how she deals with them.

“I am no stranger to these awful things on your thighs that seem to plague equestrians. As an event groom life is busy and I am always outside, often cold or wet so I learnt quickly how to prevent these itchy, scratchy annoying things.

Believe me, prevention is better than cure, give these tried and tested tips a go, they have worked for me, I no longer get chilblains.

Layers

From the beginning of November, I reluctantly pull out the thermals and accept it is winter! People always think it is the cold -3 days that are bad for chilblains but I’m certain it is the 3’C wet windy days!

Making sure you have more than one layer on your legs will keep the skin warm and trap in body heat. You can use high street, fleece lined leggings or thermal base layers whichever is more friendly to your budget.

I use a pair of windproof thick fleece lined trousers over my base layer, I decided to treat myself after seeing them advertised on Facebook and what a difference – keeping your skin warm and protected from the wind makes the winter more bearable.

Stay dry 

On a wet day make sure you add PROPER waterproofs on top, staying dry is vital. Always have spare clothes with you so if you get wet you can change into a dry set of clothes, asap! No matter how busy your day may be.

Sometimes I do end up rather warm, but if it keeps the chilblains at bay then I am happy.

Warm up slowly

When you get in at the end of the day all you want to do is get in that warm shower … DO NOT DO IT!

Wait until after you have cooked dinner, gone to the gym or food shopping. Allow your body to warm up slowly as a sudden jump in skin temperature is not going to help, and if you already have chilblains, it will be painful. 

Moisturise

After the shower make sure you stay warm. Before I put on my snug PJ’s I smother on ‘Bio-Oil’ – religiously. This keeps my skin I have found it helps with any scarring the chilblains might leave.

Treatment

If you already have chilblains do not scratch them, try Germolene Antiseptic Cream, Calamine lotion or Witch Hazel for soothing the itch.

I annoyingly got them so bad a few years ago I had to go to my GP to get prescription cream. They were so sore I had to cream up and then wrap my legs in clingfilm at night to keep the sores soft and stop me from itching!

The NHS advise that you can take paracetamol / ibuprofen but always check with your GP or pharmacist before taking any treatment or medication as I’m not a medical professional, these tips are simply my own experience and please do go to your GP if chilblains get worse.

Keep going

Finally, consistency is golden, keep laying your clothes, staying dry and moisturising until it is shorts weather again. The process isn’t glamorous but sure is worth it”

Francesca

Be like Francesca and 1000’s of other grooms with and without itchy thighs this winter, by joining your professional association.

If, like Francesca, you would like to become a BGA member, have a look at our membership options, from as little as 49 pence per week. 

BGA MEMBERSHIP OPTIONS

Find plenty of thermal baselayers and waterproof trousers at https://www.treehouseonline.co.uk/