What are chilblains and what causes them?
Chilblains (sometimes called pernio) are small, itchy, painful, red swellings on the skin. Chilblains are thought to be caused by an abnormal skin reaction to cold. They tend to occur on the 'extremities' that more easily become cold. That is, the toes, fingers, nose, and earlobes. However, other areas of skin sometimes develop chilblains when they become cold. For example, the heels, lower legs and thighs (especially in horse riders).
Chilblains are common. It is thought that about 1 in 10 people in the UK get chilblains at some stage in their life. It is not clear why some people get chilblains when their skin gets cold. It is probably due to 'poor circulation' in the extremities (toes, fingers, etc). The tiny blood vessels under the skin narrow (constrict) when the skin becomes cold. The blood supply to areas of skin may then become very slow. As the skin re-warms there is some leakage of fluid from the blood vessels into the tissues. In some way this causes areas of inflammation and swelling leading to chilblains.
The speed (rate) of temperature change may play a part. Some people get chilblains if they warm up cold skin too quickly. For example, with a hot water bottle or by sitting very close to a fire.
Some people with poor circulation and with other problems of their blood vessels are more prone to developing chilblains. However, most chilblains occur in people who are otherwise healthy.
What are the symptoms of chilblains?
Chilblains occur several hours after being exposed to the cold. You may get just one chilblain but often several develop. They may join together to form a larger swollen, red area of skin.
- Chilblains are very itchy. A burning sensation is also typical.
- They are usually red to start with but may become purple.
- Pain and tenderness over the chilblains often develops.
- In some cases the skin over a chilblain may blister which may delay healing.
- Sometimes the skin breaks down to leave a small ulcer which is prone to infection.
Each chilblain typically lasts about seven days, and then gradually goes away over a week or so. Some people get recurring bouts of chilblains each winter.
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Dean Brewer, about 1 year
Many times chilblains are caused by underlying health conditions. People with anemia, poor nutrition, hormonal changes, some connective tissue disorders and some bone marrow disorders are more likely to have chilblains. Treating the underlying condition can help prevent them. Dean
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