Chilblains, also known as Pernio, are painful and itching swelling that occurs commonly on the toes, fingers, ears and nose. They generally develop in response to cold and humid conditions and can become an important concern for people living in colder climates. The condition occurs when small blood vessels in the skin do not work properly in response to temperature changes, leading to inadequate blood circulation. When exposed to the cold, these blood vessels are tightening (or narrow) to preserve body heat, but during warming, they must dilate (or widen) to restore the normal blood flow. However, in people subject to gilds, this process is disturbed. The resulting inflammation and swelling can cause discomfort and pain (Vogel & Hulsopple, 2022).
Several factors contribute to the development of chilblains. A critical factor is inadequate blood circulation, which can be influenced by vascular disease, obesity or even previous hormonal changes. Studies indicate that individuals with poor circulation history are more at risk of developing chilblains when exposed to cold (Uter and Kanerva, 2019). Another important contributor is prolonged exposure to wet and cold conditions. The environment plays a crucial role, as individuals living in high-humidity areas and low temperatures are more likely to feel chilblains. For example, research shows that chilblains are more common during winter months when temperature fluctuations are more common (Uter and Kanerva, 2025). This link between environmental conditions and chilblains highlights the importance of understanding how the climate affects skin health.
Temperature fluctuations can trigger chilblains by inducing rapid changes in the behavior of blood vessels. When the body passes from cold environments to hot environments, the sudden increase in temperature can ensure that the blood vessels develop quickly, potentially causing a liquid leak in the surrounding tissues. The result is the revealing swelling and redness associated with the gilds. It is important to note that everyone exposed to colds will not develop chilblains; Many factors, including genetic predisposition and skin sensitivity, also play a role in individual sensitivity.
In addition, historical data and recent studies reveal notable geographic differences in the frequency of chilblains. For example, Akkurt et al. (2014) found that communities in the northern regions are experiencing higher rates of chilblains compared to those of mild climates. This geographic variation highlights the need for a localized understanding of the deposits, forcing health practitioners to take into account the specific environmental conditions of their regions when fighting this condition. Consequently, individuals living in cold climates must remain vigilant about preventive measures to reduce their risk of developing chilblains.
Overall, the complex interaction between environmental conditions, blood circulation and individual sensitivity highlights the importance of recognizing chilblains as more than a simple seasonal nuisance; They can have real consequences on daily life for affected people. Thus, current research on the causes, symptoms and effective treatments for chilblains can considerably improve the quality of life of individuals and guide public health recommendations in cold regions., The faithful are small itchy swelling that can develop on the skin in response to cold and humid conditions. Symptoms usually include redness, itching, swelling and pain, especially on fingers, toes and sometimes in the ears. Kapnia et al. (2022) conducted a systematic review that highlights these main symptoms and indicates that people living in colder regions are more likely to experience disorders in their daily lives due to chilblains. This discomfort can make it difficult to perform daily activities such as walking, working or getting involved in social events.
Individuals with chilblains may find it challenging wearing shoes or gloves, as pressure in affected areas can increase pain and itching. This interruption can lead to the avoidance of cold environments completely, limiting the opportunities for outdoor activities and social engagement, which are important to general well-being. The discomfort associated with chilblains usually extends beyond physical symptoms; Many people report feelings of frustration and helplessness when dealing with their condition.
In addition, the social and psychological aspects of life with chilblains were explored in studies, such as those of Gordon et al. (2014) and Singh et al. (2015). These studies emphasize how symptoms may lead not only to physical pain, but also to a decline in mental well-being. For example, individuals who often deal with chilblains may feel ashamed of their condition, leading to social withdrawal. Visible signs of chilblains can cause self -awareness, impacting trust and promoting feelings of isolation.
In addition to emotional impacts, the persistent nature of chilblains in colder climates can also mean that individuals should repeatedly face the risk of outbreaks. Gordon et al. (2014) discuss how continuous exposure to cold can keep individuals in a cycle of discomfort, which can sometimes lead to chronic symptoms. The psychological tension of this cycle can contribute to anxiety and depression, further affecting the individual’s quality of life.
From a broader perspective, recognition of the impact of chilblains goes beyond individual physical health; This reflects on community health as well. With a common experience among those living in colder climates, there is a pressing need to address prevention and treatment options. Information on these studies emphasize that preventive measures, such as maintaining hot and dry, can dramatically reduce the occurrence and severity of chilblains. This highlights the need for public health awareness in colder regions, ensuring that individuals receive adequate education on how to manage and prevent this condition.
In short, the impact of chilblains extends to various aspects of life, affecting not only daily activities through physical symptoms, but also the psychological and social well-being of individuals. The interaction of these factors illustrates the importance of recognizing and approaching the chilblains, particularly in colder climates, where the risk is greater., chilblains are skin conditions that often occur in the cold, bringing to painful symptoms and various treatment options. This section provides an overview of the current preventive treatments and measures, highlighting the need for proactive strategies, in particular in cold climates.
Topical therapies are one of the main treatments for chilblains. According to Nyssen et al. (2019), these treatments may include creams that help improve blood flow and reduce inflammation. The heating of the areas concerned is also an important method. Delicate heat can relieve pain and promote healing. Some people find relief through hot baths or heating bearings, which can help soothe the sore areas and improve blood circulation.
In addition to these treatments, the preventive measures are crucial to avoid the occurrence of chilblains. The appropriate clothing is essential to keep your feet and hands warm, especially in winter conditions. Kumari and Bajpai (2021) underline the importance of stratifying clothing and the use of socks and thermal gloves that can help maintain body heat. Wearing footwear that provide isolation can also prevent chilblains while keeping the ends at low temperatures hot. These authors show that people must be educated on the types of clothing that can best protect against chilblains.
The awareness of the community plays a significant role in the prevention of chilblains. Abid and Silvis (2017) suggest that education on how to recognize the first symptoms can lead to quick treatment and better results. By informing people about chilblains signs, such as itching, redness and swelling on the fingers of the feet and on the fingers of the feet, people are more likely to seek help soon before the worst condition. Their research indicates that community programs that focus on the creation of awareness can be effective in reducing the incidence of chilblains, in particular in vulnerable groups such as the elderly or those with poor circulation.
The increase in knowledge of these conditions can allow individuals to take care of themselves. According to their results, proactive education can significantly reduce the risk of developing chilblains. When people are well informed, they can take measures to protect themselves from the cold dress appropriately and managing their exposure to cold environments.
In summary, the combination of effective treatments and strong preventive measures can significantly affect the way individuals face chilblains. Community support, education and informed choices on clothing and self -care can reduce the risk and burden of this painful condition in the coldest climates. Underlining these strategies is essential to improve the quality of life for people affected by chilblains and to encourage a culture of health awareness in sensitive populations.
Citations:
Vogel, K. and Hulsopple, C., 2022. Cold weather injuries: initial evaluation and management. Current sports medicine reports, 21(4), pp.117-122. https://journals.lww.com/acsm-csmr/fulltext/2022/04000/cold_weather_injuries__initial_evaluation_and.5.aspx
Gordon, R., Arikian, A.M. and Pakula, A.S., 2014. Chilblains in Southern California: two case reports and a review of the literature. Journal of Medical Case Reports, 8(1), p.381. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/1752-1947-8-381
Nyssen, A., Benhadou, F., Magnée, M., André, J., Koopmansch, C. and Wautrecht, J.C., 2019. Chilblains. Vasa. https://econtent.hogrefe.com/doi/full/10.1024/0301-1526/a000838
Kumari, S. and Bajpai, M., 2021. Skin disorders in high altitude areas and their treatments: a review. https://www.cabidigitallibrary.org/doi/full/10.5555/20220168242
Uter, W. and Kanerva, L., 2019. Physical causes: heat, cold, and other atmospheric factors. In Kanerva’s occupational dermatology (pp. 467-479). Cham: Springer International Publishing. https://link.springer.com/rwe/10.1007/978-3-319-68617-2_33
Akkurt, Z.M., Ucmak, D., Yildiz, K., Yürüker, S.K. and Celik, H.Ö., 2014. Chilblains in Turkey: a case-control study. Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia, 89, pp.44-50. https://www.scielo.br/j/abd/a/Pd8dxY6SNV5KnW3NN7GKkGD/
Kapnia, A.K., Ziaka, S., Ioannou, L.G., Flouri, I., Dinas, P.C. and Flouris, A.D., 2022. Population characteristics, symptoms, and risk factors of idiopathic chilblains: A systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression. Biology, 11(11), p.1651. https://www.mdpi.com/2079-7737/11/11/1651
Uter, W. and Kanerva, L., 2025. Physical Causes: Heat, Cold, and Other Atmospheric Factors. In Kanerva’s Occupational Dermatology (pp. 1-13). Springer, Cham. https://link.springer.com/rwe/10.1007/978-3-319-40221-5_33-3
Singh, G.K., Datta, A., Grewal, R.S., Suresh, M.S. and Vaishampayan, S.S., 2015. Pattern of chilblains in a high altitude region of Ladakh, India. medical journal armed forces india, 71(3), pp.265-269. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0377123713000154
Abid, A. and Silvis, M.L., 2017. Environmental emergencies. URGENT CARE MEDICINE, p.214. https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=QNgyDwAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PA214&dq=causes,+symptoms,+and+treatments+for+chilblains+in+cold+weather+conditions&ots=vsbilBhLFA&sig=46AC3pfrpIM2SqYrNQuA5svHecw
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