Chilblains – Symptoms and Causes

Overview

Chilblains are inflamed, swollen patches that can appear on hands and feet after exposure to cold, damp air. These painful skin areas may develop within hours of cold exposure and can include blistering.

The condition, also called perniosis, typically resolves within 2-3 weeks, especially as temperatures warm up.

Prevention is straightforward:

• Limit time spent in cold environments
• Dress appropriately with warm clothing
• Keep skin covered when outdoors in cold weather

For those experiencing chilblains, keeping affected areas warm and dry helps relieve symptoms. Some people may experience recurring episodes during cold seasons for many years, but chilblains rarely cause permanent damage to the skin or underlying tissues.

Signs and Symptoms

Chilblains show up as small, itchy areas on the skin, most often on the feet or hands. These spots may develop into sores or blisters. You might notice swelling in the affected areas.

Pain or stinging sensations are common with chilblains. The skin color may change where chilblains appear.

When to Visit a Healthcare Provider

See a doctor if your symptoms last a long time or come back after getting better. Medical care is also needed if you think you have an infection.

Seek help if your symptoms don’t improve after two weeks of home treatment. It’s also concerning if chilblains continue into warmer weather.

Contact a doctor if you’re not sure whether you were exposed to below-freezing temperatures, as you might have frostbite instead of chilblains.

Causes

The exact reason behind chilblains remains unclear. They likely occur due to an abnormal response by the body when cold skin warms up.

During rewarming, tiny blood vessels beneath the skin may expand too rapidly, overwhelming larger nearby vessels. This unusual circulation response creates the characteristic symptoms.

Risk Factors

Several factors can increase your chances of getting Chilblains:

Personal Factors:

• Gender and Age: Young women between 15 and 30 years old face higher risk
• Body Weight: People with low body mass are more susceptible

Environmental Factors:

• Climate: Living in cold, humid (but not freezing) areas increases risk.
• Clothing Choices: Tight or insufficient clothing that exposes skin to cold weather.

Medical Conditions:

• Raynaud’s phenomenon
• Connective tissue diseases
• SARS-CoV-2 infection

Your choice of footwear matters too. Tight shoes worn in cold, damp conditions can make you more likely to develop chilblains, especially in toes and feet.

Complications

Repeated chilblain episodes from cold, damp conditions may lead to lasting skin changes. The skin can become thinner over time and develop visible scarring. These permanent changes typically affect areas that experience frequent chilblain outbreaks.

Prevention

Cold weather can cause chilblains, but you can take several steps to avoid them. The best approach is to limit your time in cold environments whenever possible.

If you must go outside in cold weather, wear layers of loose clothing. Make sure to cover all exposed skin with mittens, a scarf, a hat, and warm, water-resistant footwear.

When returning indoors, warm your skin gradually rather than exposing cold hands or feet directly to heat sources. This gentle rewarming helps prevent damage to small blood vessels.

Important daily habits to prevent chilblains:

• Keep your hands, feet, and face dry and warm
• Maintain a comfortable temperature in your home and workplace
• Avoid smoking, as it can restrict blood flow to your extremities

Planning ahead before going outside in winter can make a significant difference in avoiding this painful condition.