CHILBLAINS

Chilblains Causes, Cure and Treatment

Chilblains also known as perniosis are localized, inflammatory, erythematous lesions that show up because of skin exposure to cold ambient temperatures above freezing point.

CAUSES:

1. High humidity and wind, which exacerbate conductive heat loss, are one the main causes of chilblains.
2. The onset is usually in the autumn or winter. Chilblains are more common in temperate climates, when winter gets rather cold and damp and people are not used to those conditions.

TYPES OF LESIONS:

Lesions occur acutely as single or multiple red or dusky swelling that may occasionally ulcerate or blister accompanied by pruritus or a burning sensation. Sites of predilection are fingers, toes, heels, lower legs, thighs, nose, and ears. Perniosis can be a manifestation of eating disorders (anorexia nervosa, poor nutrition) and systemic diseases (lupus erythematosus and hematologic malignancies.

MANAGEMENT STRATEGY:

1. For cold-induced perniosis with no underlying pathology, the most important aspect of management is prophylaxis. This will be achieved through the use of warm clothing and, properly insulated housing.
2. Once chilblains occur, they usually run a self-limiting course over a period of a weeks.
3. Patients must relax in a warm environment and possibly take topical antipruritics, if needed.
4. Vasodilators are known to be an effective therapy and preventive measure for patients with perniosis.