Chilblains – Diagnosis and Treatment
Chilblains, also called perniosis or pernio, are small, sore patches that appear on the skin after being in cold or damp environments. These patches can be itchy, swollen, or tender, and most often affect the fingers and toes.
Cold, non-freezing temperatures can cause inflammation in small blood vessels, leading to chilblains. Understanding their causes and symptoms can help people manage and prevent them more easily.
Diagnosis
Doctors check for chilblains by looking at the skin, especially on toes and fingers, for signs like redness, swelling, and itchy or painful bumps. They ask about recent time in cold, damp conditions and if symptoms like itching, burning, or blisters have happened.
A table can help organize possible steps:
| Step | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Skin check | Look for swelling, redness, inflammation. |
| Ask about cold exposure | Find risk factors such as poor blood circulation. |
| Blood tests | Rule out connective tissue or bone marrow disorder. |
| Skin biopsy | Examine possible complications under a microscope. |
When diagnosis is unclear, doctors may test to rule out lupus erythematosus, poor blood flow, or bone marrow problems.
Remedies and Care
Keep affected areas warm and dry to manage chilblains. Use gloves and thick socks to protect hands and feet from cold and damp weather.
Gently massage moisturizing creams like coconut oil or aloe vera onto the skin to help soothe itching. Some people find relief using natural items such as manuka honey, tea tree oil, or eucalyptus oil on the skin.
If swelling or sores persist, a health care provider may recommend a topical corticosteroid cream or blood pressure medicine like nifedipine to improve blood flow. Salt and lemon juice are not recommended as they may irritate the skin.
| Home Care | Medical Treatments |
|---|---|
| Keep warm and dry | Topical corticosteroid creams |
| Use moisturizing oils | Blood pressure medicines |
| Avoid damp environments |
Everyday Habits and Home Care Tips
People can help relieve their symptoms using simple self-care steps. Wearing warm socks and gloves during winter helps protect hands and feet from cold temperatures.
To boost comfort, gently warm skin with warm water instead of direct heat. Avoid rubbing or massaging affected areas.
Use moisturizer to help manage itching, and keep any open sores or blisters clean and covered. Staying away from cold weather and keeping the skin dry can help symptoms improve faster.
A table below highlights useful actions:
| Helpful Steps | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Keep warm | Use gloves, socks, and layers. |
| Elevate feet | Rest feet above heart level. |
| Avoid scratching | Prevents more irritation. |
| Exercise | Can help improve circulation. |
Getting Ready for Your Visit
Steps You Can Take Beforehand
To make the most of the appointment, prepare by following these steps:
- Write down a list of all symptoms, even if they seem minor.
- Make a note of key health or life changes, like moving to a new area, travel, recent stress, or changes at home or work.
- Put together a list of all medicines, vitamins, and supplements, including how much you take of each.
- Bring questions you want to ask. Some examples include:
| Questions to Ask |
|---|
| What is likely causing my symptoms? |
| Are there other possible causes? |
| Will I need any tests? |
| Is this problem usually short-term or does it last? |
| What are my treatment options? |
| What side effects could treatments have? |
| Are there other ways to manage this? |
| Should I change any of my usual activities? |
| How can I handle this with my other health needs? |
Bringing these items and questions helps focus the discussion and ensures all concerns are addressed.
Questions the Doctor May Ask
The provider may need detailed information to help with diagnosis and treatment. Expect to discuss:
- When symptoms started and if they’ve changed over time
- If sudden shifts in temperature have made things worse
- Whether anything helps ease the symptoms
- If these issues have happened before
- If you have been told you have Raynaudโs phenomenon or similar problems
Answering openly helps the doctor find the best care plan. Writing answers ahead of time or discussing them with a family member may help.
