Understanding Chilblains: Causes, Symptoms, and Effective Treatments

In this video, we're diving into the essentials you need to know about chilblains, also known as pernio. These are small patches of inflamed skin that can develop after exposure to cold or damp air, but not freezing temperatures. Typically, chilblains form on your fingers or toes, but they can also appear on your legs or ears. They are usually red or bluish, although this may vary if you have darker skin. Chilblains can feel itchy, tender, or painful. In this video, we'll cover who might get chilblains, their causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, when to see your healthcare provider, and how long they last.

So, who might get chilblains? Technically, anyone can develop chilblains, but certain groups are at higher risk. Females and people with low body weight are more susceptible. You're also more likely to get chilblains if you live in a damp or non-freezing climate, smoke, or wear tight-fitting shoes, gloves, or clothing in cold, damp weather. Even babies can get chilblains if they aren't dressed appropriately, including face coverings, in such conditions. Your risk also increases if you have bone marrow disorders, lupus erythematosus, Raynaud's phenomenon, or peripheral arterial disease (PAD).

What causes chilblains or pernio? Chilblains form after intermittent or prolonged exposure to cold or damp air. The cold air causes blood vessels near your skin's surface to constrict, leading to decreased oxygenation and inflammation in these exposed areas. The exact reason for this reaction remains unknown, but some experts believe it may be due to genetics, hormonal changes, or underlying diseases such as connective tissue disorders or arterial diseases.

Now, let's talk about the symptoms of chilblains. These are painful, swollen patches of skin that usually develop on your fingers or toes but can also appear on your ears or nose. Sometimes, these skin patches look shiny. You may also notice blisters, a burning sensation, itching, or changes in skin color, with red or blue patches, depending on your skin type.

How are chilblains diagnosed? Often, your healthcare provider can diagnose chilblains by examining your skin. You may also undergo blood tests or a skin biopsy. These tests help your provider determine if you have a condition that increases your risk for chilblains or another condition that mimics chilblains.

In terms of treatment, chilblains often go away on their own as long as you avoid cold or damp weather conditions. However, you may need medication to soothe pain or itching, and you can consult your pharmacist about this. Some medicines can also lower the chances of chilblains returning. These include nifedipine, which helps dilate your blood vessels, or topical medicines like nitroglycerin.

So, what can you do to manage chilblain symptoms? When you get chilblains, you can use over-the-counter remedies to ease pain and swelling. Additionally, I suggest you:

- Keep your hands and feet warm by wearing mittens or using hand warmers. Wear layered clothing or blankets, and don't forget a hat to cover your ears and help retain body heat.
- Moisturize the affected skin area with unscented lotion.
- If possible, take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen.
- Try soaking the affected skin area in warm water for short periods.

How can you reduce your risk of developing chilblains? There is no guaranteed way to prevent chilblains, but you can help reduce your risk by avoiding cold, damp environments as much as possible, exercising regularly to improve blood circulation, quitting smoking, and wearing warm clothing in layers in cold weather, especially over your feet, hands, and ears. If you smoke and want to quit, check out the other video on my channel where I cover 10 useful tips to help you quit.

When should you see your healthcare provider? For many people, chilblains heal without treatment, but you should see your healthcare provider right away if you have chilblains that don't go away after three weeks, have diabetes and develop chilblains on your feet, experience fever or chills, or if you have pus coming out of your skin.

Finally, how long do chilblains last? The good news is that chilblains usually heal within one to three weeks, provided you avoid cold or damp weather and dress appropriately. If you're at high risk, chilblains may return every year when the weather changes. Your provider may prescribe treatment to prevent frequent chilblains.

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