Chilblains refer to a condition which involves the inflammation of the small blood vessels in the skin, often resulting in pain, due to a rapid change from warm to cold temperature. Chilblains is also known as pernio, which results in itching, swelling, blistering and red on the extremities of your body such as the fingers, toes, nose and ears.
Symptoms of chilblain may improve without treatment – usually when the temperature becomes warmer. Chilblain often disappears within one to three weeks; however, symptoms may recur for several years. Treatment options usually include medications and lotions. Chilblains usually do not cause permanent damage; however, they may result in infection, which can lead to severe damage if not treated promptly.
The best treatment for chilblains is to prevent it completely by wearing warm clothes when to enter cold environments and cover exposed regions of the skin, including the fingers.
Signs and symptoms
Signs and symptoms of chilblains include:
- Small, red, itchy areas of the skin
- Skin swelling
- Possible blistering
- Changes in color of the skin – from red o dark blue – often accompanied by pain
- Skin ulcers
When to seek medical attention
Some people may not require medical attention as they can easily clear symptoms with lotions. However, in case of severe pain or infection on affected regions of the skin, you should see a doctor as soon as possible before the condition worsens even more. Make sure you see your doctor if the condition does not seem to improve within one to two weeks.
It is important that you see your doctors immediately if you have diabetes or poor circulation to prevent future complications.
Treatment
Treatment options for chilblains include:
- Use of corticosteroid creams to relieve swelling and itching
- Prescription medications. These may include medication that lowers blood pressure to treat the underlying cause of chilblains as it can allow the blood vessels to open up. Pentoxifylline can also be used to improve blood flow and thus, treat chilblains.
- Prevention of infection. you may have to clean the affected regions of the skin if they are broken and protect the wound in order to reduce risk of infection
Home treatment
Chilblains tend to improve within one to two weeks. While the condition clears up, you can also consider some self care measures to relieve symptoms:
- Avoid exposure to cold environments, whenever possible
- Keep yourself warm when you are going to cold places, especially affected regions of the skin. However, make sure you avoid exposure of these affected parts from sources of heat as well
- Clean the affected region with a suitable antibiotic with appropriate dressing in order to prevent infection.
- Use lotions to control swelling and itching
Avoid scratching to prevent breakage of the skin and possible infection.