Chilblains, or pernio, occurs when small, itchy, swollen lesions form on the skin after exposure to cold, damp, or dry conditions. Chilblains can also occur after exposure to infections such as COVID-19 and hepatitis.
The lesions may appear red, purple, or dark blue. They can blister or form open sores if not treated promptly, causing symptoms such as burning, tenderness, or extreme itching.
The lesions can typically be treated with home remedies, but persistent cases may require medications. Chilblains can resolve anywhere from within a few days to 3-4 weeks.
Reproduced with permission from © DermNet dermnetnz.org.
Reproduced with permission from © DermNet dermnetnz.org.
There are immediate steps you can take at home to reduce the symptoms of chilblains. These include:
Taking these steps can help you prevent chilblains from turning into blisters, painful sores, or a secondary infection.
It is important to treat chilblains as soon as possible to prevent complications such as infections, blisters, or sores. Home remedies and self-care tips that can help heal mild cases of chilblains include:
Some people have used vitamin D and vitamin K supplementation to treat chilblains, but there is not enough quality evidence in scientific literature to support treatment with these vitamins.
If home remedies are not effective or strong enough, medical treatments can help treat chilblains. Healthcare providers commonly treat chilblains with medications, both topical (applied to the skin) and oral (taken by mouth). These medications include:
Chilblains can be prevented through lifestyle changes and self-care. To avoid the recurrence of chilblains, try the following tips:
A healthcare provider can diagnose chilblains through a physical exam. Your provider will ask you questions about your symptoms and activities, such as exposure to cold weather.
Your provider may order laboratory tests to make a definite diagnosis. Tests may include blood tests, serum protein electrophoresis (measures specific proteins in the blood), and tests to detect antinuclear antibodies (large amounts may indicate an autoimmune disorder) and serum cryoglobulins (abnormal proteins).
If chilblains are resistant to medical treatment or become chronic (long-lasting), see a healthcare provider for further testing. They can order additional tests or perform a biopsy (taking a sample of tissue or cells from the skin) to test for other inflammatory conditions.
If you develop blisters, open sores, swelling, or pain that doesn’t go away with home remedies, you should also see a healthcare provider for medical care.
Chilblains, or pernio, is an inflammatory condition characterized by the formation of small, itchy lesions on the skin.
Home remedies include application of antiseptics, witch hazel, and calamine lotion. Keeping the lesions clean, warm, and dry is important for healing.
See a healthcare provider if home remedies are ineffective or you experience signs of infection or worsening symptoms such as blisters or open sores.
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