What is Chiblains?
Chiblains is a phenomenon characterized by itchy skin and / or soft red or purple-red swollen skin that occurs in response to cold. The condition is also known as pernio or pernionis which is a localized form of vasculitis.
Who most often has Chiblains?
Children and the elderly are most often ill. In children, it is often repeated every winter for several years, but usually after some time it completely withdraws. If risk factors are not ruled out, Chiblains in older people get worse from year to year.
What causes chiblains?
Chiblains are caused by stopping circulation when working in cold conditions. It appears a few hours after exposure to cold, but sometimes worsens when exposed to the sun. Cold causes constriction of small arteries and veins in the skin, which leads to the outflow of blood that goes to the tissues and into the skin, and it consequently swells.
Although caused by cold Chiblains is less common in countries where the cold is very high but the air is dry, living conditions are good and where quality thick winter clothing is used.
Chiblains are much more likely to develop in people with impaired peripheral circulation that is, in those characterized by blue-red mottled limb skin. In some cases, it is caused by connective tissue diseases such as lupus erythematosus.
Are there predispositions for the emergence of Chiblains?
There are also the following:
• Family preference
• Peripheral vascular disease caused by diabetes, smoking, or hyperlipidemia
• Hormonal changes: Chiblains can improve during pregnancy
• Connective tissue diseases such as: Lupus erythematosus, Systemic sclerosis,
· Ray’s phenomenon
• Bone marrow disease
What are the most common localizations?
Common places are as follows:
• Upper sides of toes and feet
• heel
• lower limbs
• thighs (especially in horse riders)
• wrists the child’s hand
• accumulation of fat (lipoma)
• nose
• ear
What is the course of the disease?
Each Chiblains appears within a few hours as a red swelling that itches, and subsides over the next 7-14 days. In a few more complicated cases, blisters, pustules, itching, and ulceration occurred. Occasionally changes may resemble a ring. They can thin out and persist for months.
How isit treated?
Unfortunately chilblains are difficult to treat, but the following factors can be helpful:
• Topical corticosteroid creams applied precisely in a few days reduce itching and swelling
• Antibiotic ointments or oral antibiotics are given in case of secondary infection
Prevention
The palms and soles of the feet should not be exposed to cold. DO NOT SMOKE CIGARETTES! Nicotine constricts blood vessels.
How can the heat that is necessary in prevention be retained?
The following measures can help conserve heat:
• A well-insulated and heated house as well as a workplace stop heat loss
• Warm clothesespecially gloves, thin woolen socks and comfortable, warm shoes.
· Hat on head with scarf around neck, layered wearing of clothes on body.
• Avoid medications that can constrict blood vessels, such as caffeine, vasoconstrictors, and diet medications.
• Exercise vigorously before going out
• Cotton waterproof gloves for damp skin
• Sunglasses even on a bad day
• Warm baths upon return to the house
• Vasodilators such as nifedipineshould be used before the onset of cold weather and then used during the winter. Side effects may include facial redness and headache.
Keywords: Chiblains, connective tissue diseases, cold, smoking, warm footwear and clothing
In short: Chiblains is a localized form of vasculitis characterized by the appearance of red swelling on the toe or foot. It is very difficult to treat, but it can be prevented by wearing warm clothes and shoes and staying in warm rooms. A very important factor in prevention is not to smoke cigarettes.Did you know: That the severe form of chiblainsa- pernio is characterized by black large crusts on the arm and foot AND that it can be very painful.
For My doctor: Perica Ante, MD dermatovenerologist
