Chilblains, also referred to as pernio, are among that perennial list of common ailments made worse by the winter blues. Iching and painful swellings develops at fingers and toes and sometimes at other limbs after suffering damp colds. Knowledge regarding the cause, signs and management of chilblains may aid in the proper treatment if the disease.

 

What Is Chilblains?

Chilblains are small itchy swellings due to cold exposure. They develop on fingers, toes, ears, and nose. It is because once the blood vessels in the exposed parts constrict due to cold weather, rapid warming-up followed by vessel expansion leads to inflammation and leakage of fluid into those areas and hence manifest as chilblains.

 

Symptoms of Chilblains

Chilblains may occur with various symptoms, including

  • Itching: Chilblain is itchy and painful.
  • Swelling: As chilblains reach those body parts, the parts attacked swell up and become red.
  • Pain: The affected portion of the skin becomes sensitive to touch or even when more colds enter the skin.
  • Blisters: In the worst cases, blisters even appear on the affected skin. Such blisters are painful and may even get infected if not treated in the right manner.
  • Colour Changes: The affected region becomes red or purple, especially under cold climatic conditions.

Causes of Chilblains

Chilblains primarily develop due to the immune response to extreme cold temperatures. However, these are some contributory factors;

 

1. Cold and Moist Conditions

Cold and wet climate is the most typical cause of chilblains, although the disease can also be the result of other causes. If the fingers or toes are left uncovered under any of these situations the blood vessels reduce the blood flow so as to keep warm. Chilblains develop if the area warms too rapidly and inflames the vessels.

 

2. Decreased Circulation

One is more prone to chilblains when circulation is low. Peripheral arterial disease, diabetes mellitus and Raynaud’s, diseases causing peripheral artery constriction, may have put individuals through conditions such as cold weather.

 

3. Skin Sensitivity

Some of the peoples' skins respond worse to low temperatures as compared to other people. There are heightened sensitivities, and a person becomes more vulnerable to getting chilblains.

 

4. History of Chilblains

If you have ever suffered from chilblains then you are at a higher risk.

In fact, if you had ever suffered from chilblains in the past, you will likely suffer from it again because the skin that has ever been affected by chilblains will be more sensitive to cold in the future.

 

5. Clothing Choice

One of the primary causes for the development of chilblains is wearing improper attire, wet clothing, for that matter, during cold weather. Wearing something too tight-fitting, be it shoes or gloves, could constrict blood flow, thus predisposing one to the said condition.

 

6. Certain Medical Conditions

There are some diseases or conditions like lupus or other autoimmune diseases that predispose the patient to chilblains. This is because persons so affected have poor circulation or overly sensitive skin.

 

Risk Factors

Understanding risk factors for chilblains can help persons take preventive measures:

  • Age: Chilblains may occur at any age, but there are more cases among young adults and teenagers.
  • Gender: Women have a much greater tendency to chilblains than men due to some difference in the hormonal activity.
  • Geographic Location: Cold, moist climates tend to expose someone to higher chances.
  • Lifestyle Factors: Smoking and a sedentary lifestyle expose one to poor circulation, hence high chilblain's tendency.

Diagnostic Techniques for Chilblains

Usually, most patients can be diagnosed with chilblains by simple clinical examination. The doctor would just ask for the patient's medical history and inspect the affected areas. Normally, there is no need for other tests. However, for serious or recurrent chilblains, further tests may be ordered to check the circulation or to rule out some underlying diseases.

 

Treatments

Chilblains can be pretty painful, but there are many treatments to ease those symptoms:

 

1. Maintain Affected Areas Warm

Prevention of chilblains and even treatment can well be started by warming up the affected area. Other protection measures against chilblains can be acquired by wearing warm gloves or socks, especially during exposure to cold in the utmost times of going out.

 

2. Avoid Extreme Temperature Flashes

Avoid exposure of the affected parts to flashes of extremely high temperature, eg sudden exposure to heat from a cold environment. Allow the body to acclimatize.

 

3. Creams and Ointments

Topical drugs: Use creams, preferably corticosteroids to reduce irritation and itching. They are supposed to be used at the advice of a doctor.

 

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4. Antihistamines

Hyposthenia Hammer Syndrome None in this case, but the patient can always pop over-the-counter antihistamines, at least to reduce some of the nuisances if the itching gets too much. Currently, there is an OTC version, although it’s still better to consult a doctor.

 

5. Pain Control

Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, will help to control associated pain or discomfort from chilblains.

 

6. Lifestyle Changes

Proper exercise, diet and avoidance of smoking can maintain proper circulation and prevent chilblains.

 

7. Warm Foot Baths

You may find immersion of your feet in warm but not hot water helps to improve circulation and to relieve the symptoms. Do not forget to dry your feet properly after it.

 

Prevention of Chilblains

Chilblains Prevention prevents the extremities when extreme cold weather compels one to take appropriate actions:

 

1. Dressed properly

Dress warmly, but also be prepared with layers, especially on your hands and feet, in case they get wet. One can wear insulated gloves and thick socks to keep warm.

 

2. Wearing loose clothes

Wear loose clothing and also shoes. Any tightness may cut the flow of blood.

 

3. Keep dry

Go out dry. If wet, put on dry clothing as soon as possible.

Keep your hands as well as feet dry. Any wet clothes increase the chances of chilblains, so moisture-wicking clothes can be used when possible.

 

4. Steady Heat and Cold Exposure

Instead of getting warm right upon entry from outside cold, allow your body time to acclimatize with the gradual changes in the temperature.

 

5. Regular Exercise

Regular exercise or yoga will help improve your circulation and reduce your chances of getting chilblains.

 

Conclusion

Chilblains are actually very operational and very painful during winter time. If the people are aware of the causes, some of the signs or symptoms and the types of treatment that are available for this medical condition then they may be slightly more careful in prevention and control of this medical condition.


By adopting lifestyle adjustments, warming affected areas, as well as avoiding sudden changes in temperatures will prevent chilblains majorly. Then, if the state continues and deteriorates, high time to get expert help from a medical practitioner toward proper treatment and management.


Please book an appointment with the Best Dermatologist in Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, and all major cities of Pakistan through InstaCare, or call our helpline at 03171777509 to find a verified doctor for your disease.