Chilblain

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

**Chilblain**
*Classification & external resources*
ICD-10	T 69.1
ICD-9	991.5
DiseasesDB	31219
eMedicine	derm/322

Chilblains, also called perniosis or blain, is a medical condition similar to frostbite or trench foot. Chilblains are caused by exposure of skin to damp cold. Small blood vessels below the skin are damaged, but there is no freezing of tissue, thus distinguishing it from frostbite. The condition is also distinguished by numbing of the affected area and the appearance of blisters or open sores. Chilblains do not usually cause permanent injury, but can result in severe damage if left untreated. Some patients have reported a sensitivity to cold in the affected area, long after the condition has healed. They are most common in the young and the elderly, and are more likely to occur in women. They can be prevented by keeping the feet and hands warm in cold weather. A chilblain can chap, crack, or ulcerate; and then is known as a kibe.

1 Symptoms
2 Duration
3 Treatments
4 Prevention
5 See also
6 Footnotes
7 External links

[edit] Symptoms

Itchy skin inflammation
Skin redness
Toe skin inflammation
Finger skin inflammation
Earlobe inflammation

[edit] Duration

Usually heals within 3 weeks

[edit] Treatments

Keep area warm
Avoid scratching
Anti-itch creams, such as Calamine lotion
Zambuk ointment
Nifedipine may be used in more severe or recurrent cases.^[1] Its vasodilation helps reduce pain, facilitate healing and prevent recurrences.^[2]

[edit] Prevention

Avoid cold exposure
Wear gloves
Use warm footwear
Keep hands and feet warm
Healthy diet
Exercise

[edit] See also

[edit] Footnotes

^ Rustin M, Newton J, Smith N, Dowd P (1989). "The treatment of chilblains with nifedipine: the results of a pilot study, a double-blind placebo-controlled randomized study and a long-term open trial". Br J Dermatol 120 (2): 267-75. PMID 2647123.
^ Simon T, Soep J, Hollister J (2005). "Pernio in pediatrics". Pediatrics 116 (3): e472-5. PMID 16140694.