Chilblains

Chilblains, also called pernio, is a condition in which the capillary beds of the skin, most often in the hands or feet, are damaged so that blood leaks into nearby tissue, producing redness, itching, inflammation and sometimes blisters. It occurs most often in predisposed people, predominantly women, exposed to cold and humidity, and ulcerated chilblains are known as kibes. Prevention rests on keeping the hands and feet warm and avoiding sharp temperature changes, and first-line treatment is avoiding cold, damp settings and wearing warm gloves and socks. Chilblains can be idiopathic, but similar symptoms may signal another serious disease, including Raynaud syndrome, erythromelalgia, frostbite, trench foot, lupus or vasculitis, so those need to be considered.