Chilblains: Causes, Symptoms, Prevention

Author: Thomas C. Weiss
Published: 2015/03/11 - Updated: 2025/02/11
Publication Type: Informative
Topic: Skin Conditions - Publications List

Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main

Synopsis: This article provides a detailed examination of chilblains, a condition characterized by the painful inflammation of small blood vessels in the skin, often triggered by exposure to cold and damp environments. It is particularly useful for individuals, including seniors and those with disabilities, who may be more susceptible due to circulatory issues or reduced mobility. The article explains the causes, symptoms, and preventive measures for chilblains, offering practical advice such as keeping extremities warm and avoiding extreme temperature changes. It also discusses treatment options ranging from home remedies to medical interventions. While this article is not explicitly marked as peer-reviewed or scholarly, it is rich in clinical insights and can serve as an informative resource for anyone looking to understand or manage this condition better, thereby aiding in better health management and comfort during colder seasons - Disabled World (DW).

Introduction

'Chilblains,' are the painful inflammation of small blood vessels in a person's skin that happen in response to sudden warming from colder temperatures. Chilblains is also known as, 'pernio,' and may cause red patches, itching, blistering and swelling on extremities such as your fingers, toes, nose and ears. Chilblains might improve on its own, particularly as the weather warms up. It usually clears up within a week to three weeks, although they might recur seasonally for years.

Main Item

Chilblains, also known as pernio and perniosis, 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. Damage to capillary beds in the skin causes redness, itching, inflammation, and sometimes blisters. Chilblains can be reduced by keeping the feet and hands warm in cold weather, and avoiding extreme temperature changes. Chilblains can be idiopathic, but may also be a manifestation of a serious medical condition that needs to be investigated. A history of chilblains is suggestive of a connective tissue disease (such as lupus).

Treatments usually consist of lotions and medication. Even though chilblains do not usually result in permanent injury to the affected person, they may lead to infection which may cause severe damage if it remains untreated. The best approach to chilblains is to avoid developing them in the first place by limiting your exposure to cold, dressing warmly and covering skin that is exposed to the weather.

Symptoms of Chilblains

Chilblains has a number of signs and symptoms associated with it. The signs and symptoms of chilblains can include the following:

Some people who experience chilblains never need to visit a doctor, they just use lotions to help with itching and pain. If, however, the pain becomes too severe, or if the affected skin starts to appear as if it may be infected, a doctor can help with treatment. Be sure to pursue medical attention if your skin does not improve after a couple of weeks have passed. If you have diabetes or poor circulation, visit a doctor promptly after discovering chilblains in order to prevent potential complications.

Causes of Chilblains

The precise reason chilblains occur remains an unknown. They might be a reaction of a person's body to cold exposure followed by re-warming. Re-warming of cold skin might cause small blood vessels under the skin to expand more rapidly than nearby larger blood vessels have the ability to handle resulting in a, 'bottleneck,' effect and the blood leaking into nearby tissues.

Risk Factors for Chilblains

Several risk factors exist in relation to chilblains. Below are some risk factors that might increase a person's risk of chilblains.

Chilblains may cause complications if your skin blisters. If this occurs, you might develop ulcers and infections. Besides being painful, infections are potentially life-threatening if not treated.

Treatment of Chilblains

Some different forms of treatments exist for chilblains. Descriptions of these treatment options are described below.

Even though chilblains usually clear up after a week to three weeks, there are things you can do in the meantime. Some steps you might take to ease your symptoms include the following:

Home Remedies for Chilblains: Embracing Nature's Solutions

Preventing Chilblains

To prevent chilblains in the first place, limit or avoid your exposure to the cold. Dress in warm layers of clothing and cover all exposed skin as completely as you are able to when going outside in cold weather. Make sure to keep your feet, hands and face warm and keep your workplace or home comfortably warm as well. If your skin is exposed to cold, it is helpful to re-warm it slowly because sudden re-warming of cold skin might worsen chilblains.

Author Credentials: Thomas C. Weiss is a researcher and editor for Disabled World. Thomas attended college and university courses earning a Masters, Bachelors and two Associate degrees, as well as pursing Disability Studies. As a CNA Thomas has providing care for people with all forms of disabilities. Explore for comprehensive insights into his background, expertise, and accomplishments.

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Citing and References

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Cite This Page: Thomas C. Weiss. (2015, March 11 - Last revised: 2025, February 11). Chilblains: Causes, Symptoms, Prevention. Disabled World (DW). Retrieved May 12, 2025 from www.disabled-world.com/health/dermatology/skin/chilblains.php

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