Translation guide
Chilblains are painful, itchy swellings on the skin caused by poor circulation in cold weather. In Japanese, the most common term is しもやけ, but there are also medical terms and related expressions.
しもやけ
chilblains
To refer to chilblains in everyday conversation.
The standard, everyday word for chilblains. Used by all ages.
冬になると、いつもしもやけができる。
I always get chilblains in winter.
しもやけがかゆくてたまらない。
My chilblains are so itchy I can't stand it.
To refer to chilblains in a medical or formal context.
The formal medical term for chilblains. Used by doctors or in written medical contexts.
凍瘡の治療には、血行を改善する薬が使われる。
Medication to improve blood circulation is used to treat chilblains.
To refer to chilblains using a slightly more descriptive or regional term.
An alternative kanji spelling for しもやけ, literally 'frost burn'. Same meaning and usage, but the kanji may be used for emphasis or in writing.
霜焼けがひどくて、歩くのもつらい。
My chilblains are so bad that it's painful to walk.
To express the action of developing chilblains.
The most natural way to say 'to get chilblains'. Literally 'chilblains form'.
寒い日に外にいると、しもやけができるよ。
If you stay outside on a cold day, you'll get chilblains.
Also means 'to get chilblains', but slightly less common than しもやけができる. Can imply a change of state.
足がしもやけになってしまった。
My feet have gotten chilblains.
In Japan, people often recommend warming the affected area slowly, using vitamin E creams, or soaking in warm water with ginger. The phrase しもやけに効く (しもやけにきく) means 'effective for chilblains'.