Chilblains:
Also known as pernio, perniosis and cold-induced vascular disorder.
Cause:
After exposure to cold air, the inflammation of tiny blood vessels causes these small lesions. As Cold weather can cause tightening or constriction of small blood vessels near the surface of skin. They’re often painful and tend to affect the skin of hands and feet.
Risk factors:
• Female sex
• Smoking
• Poor circulation
• Having autoimmune disease
• Having Raynaud’s phenomenon
• Having bone marrow disorders
• Too tight clothing
• Living in a damp environment
Symptoms:
There occurs patches on the skin of hands & feet leading to swollen fingers and toes as well as blue discolouration. Skin appears shiny due to swelling. Beside this; there occurs itchiness, burning sensation and blisters formation.
Diagnosis:
• Physical examination
• Patient gives history of recent exposure to cold or wet weather
• Biopsy
Treatment:
• Chilblains usually resolve within one to three weeks, providing that you avoid cold or damp weather and dress appropriately.
• To reduce itching doctor might prescribe a corticosteroid or nitroglycerin cream to reduce inflammation.
• Sometimes vasodilator drugs or drugs that causes improved circulation can be prescribed if this condition persists after 3 weeks.
• The patients who have diabetes and poor circulation chilblains may not heal well.
Prevention :
Chilblains can be prevented by protecting hands and feet from exposure to the cold.
Video by - Dr Shivraj Singh Content by - Dr Mukta Meel