Chilblain
Other namesPernio,[1] perniones,[2] perniosis,[1] kibes[3]
Toes inflamed by chilblains
Pronunciation
SpecialtyEmergency medicine
SymptomsRedness, itching, blistering[4]
Usual onsetWithin a few hours[1]
Duration1 to 2 weeks[1]
CausesProlonged cold exposure[5]
Risk factorsLupus, smoking, family history, Raynaud's[1]
Diagnostic methodBased on symptoms and examination[6]
Differential diagnosisFrostbite, trench foot, leukemia cutis, cold panniculitis[5][7][8]
PreventionKeeping the hands and feet warm[1]
TreatmentCorticosteroid creams[1]

Chilblains, also known as pernio, is a type of cold injury that results in red, itchy, and tender areas of skin.[1][4] Less commonly blistering and ulceration may occur.[4] The fingers, toes, ears and cheeks are most commonly affected.[4]

Chilblains typically occurs due to prolonged exposure to cold.[5][8] The degree of cold; however, is less than freezing, which would result in frostbite.[5] Risk factors include lupus, smoking, family history, and Raynaud's.[1] The underlying mechanism involves the inflammation of small blood vessels.[1][4] Diagnosis is usually based on symptoms and examination.[6]

Prevention is generally by keeping the hands and feet warm.[1] Other measures may include avoiding caffeine and potentially taking nifedipine.[1] Treatment may involve the use of corticosteroid creams.[1] It may take a week or two for an episode to resolve.[1]

Chilblains is relatively common in regions of the world with cold climates.[8] The young and old are most commonly affected.[1] Women are more commonly affected than men.[8] The condition has been described since at least the 1st century by Pedanius Dioscorides of Anazarbus.[9]

References edit

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o "Chilblains". DermNet NZ. Archived from the original on 2 December 2020. Retrieved 1 December 2020.
  2. ^ Killian, H. (2012). Cold and Frost Injuries — Rewarming Damages Biological, Angiological, and Clinical Aspects: Biological, Angiological, and Clinical Aspects. Springer Science & Business Media. p. PT43. ISBN 978-3-642-67051-0. Archived from the original on 2021-08-28. Retrieved 2020-12-01.
  3. ^ Bolognia, Jean L.; Jorizzo, Joseph L.; Schaffer, Julie V. (2012). Dermatology E-Book. Elsevier Health Sciences. p. 1493. ISBN 978-0-7020-5182-1. Archived from the original on 2021-08-28. Retrieved 2020-12-01.
  4. ^ a b c d e "Cold Related Illnesses". www.cdc.gov. 21 February 2020. Archived from the original on 17 October 2020. Retrieved 1 December 2020.
  5. ^ a b c d Stanley, James C.; Veith, Frank; Wakefield, Thomas W. (2014). Current Therapy in Vascular and Endovascular Surgery E-Book. Elsevier Health Sciences. p. 701. ISBN 978-1-4557-5962-0. Archived from the original on 2021-08-28. Retrieved 2020-12-01.
  6. ^ a b Wigley, Fredrick M.; Herrick, Ariane L.; Flavahan, Nicholas A. (2014). Raynaud’s Phenomenon: A Guide to Pathogenesis and Treatment. Springer. p. 168. ISBN 978-1-4939-1526-2. Archived from the original on 2021-08-28. Retrieved 2020-12-01.
  7. ^ Patterson, James W. (2019). Weedon's Skin Pathology E-Book. Elsevier Health Sciences. p. 290. ISBN 978-0-7020-7583-4. Archived from the original on 2021-08-28. Retrieved 2020-12-01.
  8. ^ a b c d Bonamigo, Renan Rangel; Dornelles, Sergio Ivan Torres (2018). Dermatology in Public Health Environments: A Comprehensive Textbook. Springer. p. 27. ISBN 978-3-319-33919-1. Archived from the original on 2021-08-28. Retrieved 2021-02-18.
  9. ^ Cartwright, Anthony C.; Armstrong, N. Anthony (2020). A History of the Medicines We Take: From Ancient Times to Present Day. Pen and Sword History. p. PT274. ISBN 978-1-5267-2404-5. Archived from the original on 2021-08-28. Retrieved 2020-12-01.