| Chilblains | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Pernio, perniones, perniosis[1] |
 | |
| Toes inflamed by chilblains | |
| Pronunciation | |
| Specialty | Internal medicine, podiatry |
Chilblains, also known as pernio, is a medical condition in which damage occurs to capillary beds in the skin, most often in the hands or feet, when blood perfuses into the nearby tissue, resulting in redness, itching, inflammation, and possibly blisters.[2]
It occurs most frequently when predisposed individuals, predominantly women,[3] are exposed to cold and humidity. Ulcerated chilblains are referred to as kibes. Temperature-related chilblains can be prevented by keeping the feet and hands warm in cold weather and avoiding exposing these areas to extreme temperature changes. Once the diagnosis of chilblains is made, first-line treatment includes avoiding cold, damp environments and wearing gloves and warm socks.[3]
Chilblains can be idiopathic (spontaneous and unrelated to another disease), but similar symptoms may also be a manifestation of another serious medical condition that must be investigated. Related medical conditions include Raynaud syndrome, erythromelalgia, frostbite, and trench foot, as well as connective tissue diseases such as lupus or vasculitis. In infants affected by Aicardi–Goutières syndrome (a rare inherited condition which affects the nervous system) chilblain-like symptoms occur together with severe neurologic disturbances and unexplained fevers.
- ^ James, William D.; Elston, Dirk M.; Treat, James R.; Rosenbach, Misha A.; Neuhaus, Isaac M. (2020). "Dermatoses Resulting From Physical Factors". Andrews' Diseases of the Skin (13th ed.). Elsevier. pp. 18–45. ISBN 9780323547536.
- ^ Cold Stress: Chilblains. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Retrieved January 6, 2009.
- ^ a b Beuscher, Tara L.; Andrews, Sarah E. (November 2020). "What Are COVID Toes? A Case Study". Journal of Wound, Ostomy & Continence Nursing. 47 (6): 619–621. doi:10.1097/WON.0000000000000711. PMID 33201148. S2CID 226988942.