What is Pernio?
Chilblains, also known as pernio, are the painful inflammation of small blood vessels in your skin that occur in response to repeated exposure to cold but not freezing air.
Chilblains usually clear up within one to three weeks, especially if the weather gets warmer.
You may have recurrences seasonally for years.
Treatment involves protecting yourself from the cold and using lotions to ease the symptoms. Chilblains don't usually result in permanent injury. But the condition can lead to infection, which may cause severe damage if left untreated.
The best approach to chilblains is to avoid developing them by limiting your exposure to cold, dressing warmly and covering exposed skin.
Signs and symptoms of chilblains may include:
- Small, itchy red areas on your skin, often on your feet or hands
- Possible blistering or skin ulcers
- Swelling of your skin
- Burning sensation on your skin
- Changes in skin color from red to dark blue, accompanied by pain
Factors that may increase your risk of chilblains include:
- Clothing that is tight or exposes skin to the cold.
- Your sex. Women are more likely to get chilblains than are men.
- Being underweight.
- Environment and season.
- Having poor circulation.
- Having Raynaud's disease.
- Having an autoimmune disorder.
Prevention
To prevent chilblains:
- Avoid or limit your exposure to cold.
- Dress in layers of loose clothing and wear mittens and warm, water-resistant footwear.
- Cover all exposed skin as completely as possible when going outside in coldweather.
- Keep your home and workplace comfortably warm.
- Don't smoke.
Source:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/chilblains/symptoms-
causes/syc-20351097
