Topic Overview
Chilblains (perniosis, also known as pernio) is a reaction to cold,
nonfreezing temperatures. It is seen most often in young people who have
Raynaud's syndrome and people who are exposed to damp,
cold weather.
Symptoms develop 2 to 14 hours after exposure to cold and usually
affect the hands, ears, lower legs, or feet. Symptoms include:
- Local redness and swelling.
- Skin
bumps.
- Changes in sensation, such as itching or
burning.
- Tender blue bumps that develop after
rewarming.
- Blisters and ulcers (in severe cases).
Treatment includes rewarming the affected areas, caring for any
blisters that form, and avoiding reexposure to cold.
Credits
|
By
|
Healthwise Staff |
|
Primary Medical Reviewer
|
William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine |
|
Specialist Medical Reviewer
|
H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine |
|
Last Revised
|
May 11, 2011 |