Chilblains, also known as pernio, is a medical condition that occurs when a predisposed individual is exposed to cold and humidity, causing tissue damage. It is often confused with frostbite and trench foot. The skin condition occurs several hours after exposure to cold yet not freezing air.
It can cause redness, itching, possible blistering, inflammation, and severe pain in the hands and feet. Chilblains can be reduced by keeping the feet and hands warm in cold weather, and avoiding rapid changes in temperature. Treatment usually includes lotions to alleviate the symptoms, but the condition gradually improves when warmer weather returns. If left untreated, it can cause severe damage and infections.
Causes of Chilblains
Chilblains, also known as pernio, are skin sores or bumps that occur after exposure to very cold temperatures. Here are the primary causes:
1. Prolonged Exposure to Cold: The most prevalent cause of chilblains is extended exposure to cold, damp conditions. This is why it is more common in colder climates or during the winter months.
2. Poor Circulation: Chilblains are commonly seen in people with poor circulation as the blood vessels in their skin are more likely to constrict with cold exposure.
3. Temperature Changes: Rapid changes from cold to hot temperatures can cause small blood vessels under the skin to expand more quickly than larger ones can handle. As a result, blood leaks into neighboring tissues, causing inflammations known as chilblains.
4. Clothing: Tight or restrictive clothing can contribute to chilblains. This is because such clothing can cause poor circulation, which makes someone more susceptible to chilblains.
5. Auto-immune diseases: Conditions like lupus can make someone more prone to chilblains. Raynaud’s disease, a condition that limits blood circulation to certain parts of the body, also increases the risk of chilblains.
Note: While anyone can develop chilblains, certain groups are more susceptible, such as the elderly, people with a family history of chilblains, people with high body mass index (BMI), and smokers.
Risk Factors of Chilblains
Chilblains, also known as pernio, is a skin condition that usually appears as small, itchy swellings on the skin, caused by exposure to cold in damp or humid weather. The risk factors for developing chilblains include:
1. Climate: Living or working in a cold, damp climate increases the risk.
2. Poor Circulation: People who have poor circulation tend to be more susceptible to chilblains.
3. Clothing: Wearing restrictive or tight clothing, or inappropriate or insufficient clothing and footwear in cold weather can increase the risk.
4. Sex and Age: Women are more likely to get chilblains than men. The condition is also more common in children and the elderly.
5. Weight: Being underweight increases the risk.
6. Raynaud’s phenomenon: People affected by this condition, where small blood vessels in the hands or feet contract excessively in response to the cold, are more susceptible to chilblains.
7. Existing Diseases: People with diseases like lupus (an autoimmune condition leading to inflammation of various body tissues) have increased risk.
8. Genetic predisposition: There may be a genetic link, as the condition often occurs in different members of the same family.
9. Smoking: Smoking can narrow blood vessels and worsen circulation, thus creating a higher risk of developing chilblains.
10. Diabetes: There’s also a potential link between chilblains and diabetes, though the reasons behind this connection are not clear. Regular foot care is important for individuals with diabetes.
It is important to keep in mind that risk factors can vary among different individuals, and having a risk factor does not necessarily mean one will develop the condition. It’s important to discuss your individual risk factors with a healthcare professional for a full evaluation.
Signs and Symptoms of Chilblains
Chilblains (also known as pernio) is a condition that affects your body’s extremities – like fingers, toes, ears and nose – in cold weather and leads to inflammation of these small blood vessels. The key signs and symptoms of chilblains include:
1. Redness: Affected areas often turn red due to the inflammation.
2. Swelling: The areas where chilblains occurs might get puffy or swollen.
3. Itching: One of the key symptoms is intense itchiness in the area affected.
4. Burning sensation: People with chilblains might feel a ‘hot’ or burning sensation in the affected areas.
5. Pain or Tenderness: The area may be tender to touch and cause discomfort.
6. Blisters and ulcers: In severe cases, blisters or ulcers may develop on the skin in those areas.
7. Changes in skin color: Over time, the inflamed areas may turn blue or purple in individuals with darker skin tones.
8. Coldness: The skin on the areas affected by chilblains can feel unusually cold to the touch.
Those with poor circulation or who are more sensitive to changes in temperature may be more susceptible to chilblains. If you or someone you know suspects chilblains, it is advisable to seek medical assistance for confirmation and treatment. Please do not try to warm the skin quickly using direct heat as it may cause more damage to the tissue.
Diagnosis Chilblains
Chilblains, also known as pernio, is a medical condition that occurs when a predisposed individual is exposed to cold and humidity, causing tissue damage. It is often confused with frostbite and trench foot. Chilblains can affect various body parts, including the toes, fingers, ears, and the nose.
The exposure leads to an abnormal reaction of the body to cold temperatures. Capillaries, which are tiny blood vessels in the skin, become inflamed causing redness, swelling, itching, and blisters on the affected parts. This occurs because when the skin is cold, blood vessels near its surface get narrower. If the skin is then suddenly warmed, blood leaks into tissues from those blood vessels that are not able to react quickly to the sudden change.
In severe cases, the skin can break down to produce a sore or ulcer that can be susceptible to infection.
Risk factors include being underweight, living in a humid or cold climate, having poor circulation, and having diseases that affect the blood vessels like diabetes. It’s also more common in women and in people with a family history of chilblains.
Treatment often involves protecting oneself from the cold, using creams to relieve symptoms, and in some cases medication to improve blood flow. Most cases of chilblains clear up within 1 to 3 weeks, especially if the weather gets warmer.
Treatment of Chilblains
Chilblains (also known as pernio) are the painful inflammation of small blood vessels in your skin in response to rapid warming from cold temperatures. They can cause itching, red patches, swelling, and blistering on your fingers, toes, ears, and nose.
Treatment and Management:
1. Keeping Warm: One of the most effective treatments for chilblains is simply staying warm. This can help to improve circulation to the area.
2. Topical Applications: You can purchase creams that encourage blood flow, like a corticosteroid cream to reduce inflammation and itching.
3. Medication: Your doctor might prescribe blood pressure medication, such as nifedipine. This will help to relax and open up small blood vessels in your hands and feet.
4. Pain Relievers: Over the counter pain relievers can help to reduce pain and swelling, if needed.
5. Warm, Not Hot, Baths: Soaking the affected area in a warm (not hot) bath can also help to ease symptoms.
6. Avoiding Scratch: If you have itches, try not to scratch it because this can further break down the skin or cause infection.
It is crucial that you consult with a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment options. This is especially true for people with conditions that affect the blood vessels, like diabetes, or anyone whose symptoms don’t improve with warmth and over-the-counter treatments.
Preventive measures such as keeping the feet, hands, and the rest of the body warm especially in cold weather, wearing warm shoes and gloves, and avoiding tight fitting shoes can help prevent chilblains.
If you see open sores, pus, or increasing redness and warmth around the affected area, seek immediate medical attention.
Medications commonly used for Chilblains
Chilblains, also known as pernio, is a type of skin inflammation that typically results from exposure to cold, damp conditions. The treatment for chilblains typically focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing further episodes, and sometimes includes medication. Here’s a brief overview of some commonly used medications:
1. Topical Steroids: Medicine in a cream or ointment form, can be used on your skin to reduce inflammation and itching. One example is hydrocortisone cream.
2. Oral Medication: In severe cases, oral medication may be prescribed. Nifedipine, a calcium channel blocker, is often used because it can help to improve circulation. It works by relaxing and opening up the small blood vessels in the extremities, which improves circulation and can help to treat chilblains.
3. Pain relievers: Over-the-counter pain relievers, like ibuprofen, can also be used to help manage pain or discomfort caused by chilblains.
4. Antihistamines: If itching is severe, an antihistamine might be suggested to help provide relief.
Remember, while medication can help manage the symptoms of chilblains, the best approach is prevention. This includes keeping the extremities warm in cold weather, warming up the body slowly when it has been exposed to the cold, and avoiding tight fitting footwear.
Please consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new medication. They will be able to provide information that is accurate and relevant to the individual’s particular health circumstances.
Prevention of Chilblains
Chilblains, also known as pernio, is a skin condition that happens when a predisposed individual is exposed to cold and humidity. Chilblains usually appear as itchy, red areas on the hands, feet, ears, and face. However, there are several ways individuals can prevent the occurrence of chilblains:
1. Keeping Warm: One of the best ways to prevent chilblains is to ensure that your body is kept warm, particularly in cold weather. Make sure to wear warm clothing, such as gloves and socks, to protect your hands and feet.
2. Proper Insulation: This includes insulating your home properly in order to protect yourself from the cold.
3. Avoid Rapid Heating: When you’re cold, avoid putting your hands or feet directly on radiators or heaters to warm up quickly. This can cause your blood vessels to expand quickly, which can lead to chilblains.
4. Physical Activity: Exercise regularly to ensure good circulation throughout the body.
5. Avoid smoking and excessive caffeine as it affects the circulation.
6. Maintain a healthy weight: Obesity may contribute to poor circulation, leading to chilblains.
7. Moisturize: Keep your skin moisturized to prevent it from becoming dry and cracked in the cold.
Remember, it’s best to get medical advice if you are suffering from chilblains or if your chilblains don’t improve after 1-2 weeks, as it may lead to complications if left untreated.
FAQ’s about Chilblains
1. What are chilblains?
Chilblains (also known as pernio) are small, itchy, red patches that can appear after you’ve been in the cold. They are caused by the skin’s abnormal reaction to cold.
2. What causes chilblains?
Chilblains are the result of an abnormal reaction your body has to cold. They can develop when the skin is exposed to cold and then is warmed up too quickly. Limited blood flow could be another factor in how they form.
3. What are the symptoms of chilblains?
Symptoms often include redness, itching, possible blistering, inflammation, and sometimes pain. This typically affects areas of the skin like the fingers, toes, ears, and nose.
4. How are chilblains diagnosed?
Doctors often diagnose chilblains based on a patient’s signs and symptoms, and the season during which they occur. In some cases, a doctor may want to rule out other conditions and might order additional tests, like a skin biopsy.
5. How are chilblains treated?
Treatment is usually aimed at relieving symptoms, including itching and swelling. Lotions and creams can be applied to ease these conditions. Lifestyle changes, such as keeping warm and avoiding rapid changes in skin temperature, can prevent chilblains. In severe cases, medication might be prescribed.
6. Are chilblains contagious?
No, chilblains themselves are not contagious. They are a reaction of the skin to cold weather and can’t be passed from person to person.
7. Who is most at risk for chilblains?
Chilblains are more common in people who are sensitive to the cold or have poor circulation. This can include the elderly, people with a family history of chilblains, people with a low body weight, or those living in cold climates.
8. Can chilblains be prevented?
Yes, protecting your skin from exposure to cold is the primary way to prevent chilblains. This can include wearing warm clothes, covering all exposed skin in cold weather, and warming up cold areas slowly.
9. How long do chilblains last?
Chilblains usually clear up one to three weeks after appearing if further exposure to the cold is avoided. However, recurring chilblains can cause long-term damage.
10. Are chilblains dangerous?
Rarely. They can result in skin ulcers or infection in severe or recurrent cases, but they’re mostly a nuisance and result in uncomfortable symptoms. If you are worried or the symptoms become severe or painful, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional.
Useful links
Chilblains, also known as pernio, are a common type of cold injury that occur in response to cold, damp conditions. They can cause red, itchy swellings on the skin, often on fingers, toes, ears, and cheeks.
Here are several useful links from journals about Chilblains:
Please note, access to some of these articles may require a subscription or purchase. If you’re connected with a university, you may be able to access them through your library.
Complications of Chilblains
Chilblains, also known as pernio, is a skin condition that occurs when a predisposed individual is exposed to cold and humidity. This condition damages capillary beds in the skin, which can cause redness, inflammation, itching, and possible blistering on the hands, feet, earlobes, and other body areas.
Here are some of the complications that may arise from chilblains:
1. Infection: If the skin affected by chilblains cracks open or blisters, the risk of developing an infection increases. Any infection, if left untreated, can potentially become severe.
2. Permanent Discolouration: In cases where chilblains keeps recurring, the skin of the affected area might remain discoloured even after healing.
3. Scarring or ulceration: In severe or chronic cases of chilblains, the affected skin can ulcerate or leave scars, which could be painful and take longer to heal.
4. Damage to nerve and blood vessels: In a severe case of chilblains, the affected area can become numb or cause permanent damage to small blood vessels, which can lead to pain, numbness, and even skin ulcers when not properly treated.
5. Hypothermia: Though not a direct complication of chilblains, those susceptible to chilblains may also be at higher risk for other cold-related injuries like hypothermia or frostbite.
Remember, if you or someone else is prone to chilblains, take measures to protect yourself from the cold to lessen the risk. If you suspect you’re developing chilblains, contact your healthcare provider to minimize complications and discomfort.
Home remedies of Chilblains
Chilblains are a painful inflammation of small blood vessels in your skin that occur in response to repeated exposure to cold but not freezing air. Also known as pernio, chilblains can cause itching, red patches, swelling and blistering.
Before trying home remedies, it’s always advised to seek professional medical help, especially if the condition is severe. However, mild cases sometimes may be treated with simple home remedies and lifestyle changes:
1. Keep Warm: The most effective prevention and treatment of chilblains is keeping your feet, hands, and other affected areas warm. Avoid rapid changes of temperature, and wear adequate warm clothes during colder months.
2. Elevate your feet: It helps reduce swelling by improving blood circulation.
3. Moisturize: Keep your skin moisturized regularly to prevent dryness and cracking.
4. Hot and Cold Treatment: Alternating between hot and cold compresses can help circulation. Just ensure that the heat isn’t too intense to avoid burns.
5. Regular exercises: Exercise improves circulation, therefore helping to keep chilblains at bay.
6. Avoid scratching: This will only damage the skin further and could lead to infection.
7. Aloe Vera: Known to have anti-inflammatory properties, aloe vera can be applied topically on the affected area to soothe the skin.
8. Herbal remedies: A mixture of marigold and witch hazel is said to help. Both have astringent properties that can alleviate symptoms.
Remember, if the condition doesn’t improve or worsens, consult with your doctor immediately. Persistent chilblains may be an indication of an underlying condition.
