Chilblains (hinge)

Skin | Dermatology | Chilblains (hinge) (Disease)


Description

Chilblains also named pernio and perniosis, are ulcers that affect the extremities called acral ulcers. These types of ulcers occur when a person with certain predisposition is exposes to cold and humidity. This medical condition is often confused with frostbite and trench foot.

Signs and symptoms of chilblains may include: small, itchy red areas on your skin, often on your feet or hands; possible blistering; swelling of your skin; burning sensation on your skin; changes in skin color from red to dark blue, accompanied by pain; possible ulceration.

Causes and Risk factors

Chilblains are usually the result of an abnormal reaction of your body to cold. Factors that may increase the risk of chilblains include: exposure of skin to cold, gender - women are more likely to get chilblains, being underweight, the time of year - Chilblains are more common from November to April, wearing ill-fitting shoes, having poor circulation, having been diagnosed with Raynauds phenomenon. The areas most affected are the ears, earlobes, nose, and extremities; feet and toes, hands and fingers.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Treatment options for chilblains include: corticosteroid creams, blood pressure medication and infection prevention.

Prevention also refers to avoid or limit your exposure to cold by respecting the following: dress in warm layers of clothing; cover all exposed skin when going outside in cold weather, make sure you keep your hands, feet and face warm and keep your home and workplace comfortably warm. ...