Chilblains are the condition of inflammation of blood vessels of the skin when it is exposed to sudden warming from cold climate. It is also called pemio chilblains. This disorder will cause red patches, swelling, itching and painful blisters on fingers and toes and even on nose and ears. No treatment is required for chilblains since it will resolve on its own, once the weather improves.
The rashes and blisters will take maximum 2-3 weeks to disappear. In rare cases, it can cause infection. Chilblains do not appear immediately after exposure to cold temperature. It takes several hours for itching and blisters to appear on the skin after the body gets exposed to very cold temperature.
Symptoms :
There will be burning sensation on the extremities (on hands and legs) and the skin changes its original color forming dark blue color. There will be severe itching followed by the appearance of red scaly patches and blisters on the skin. The skin develops swelling which leads to blister formation. Red itchy areas are profoundly seen on arms and fingers and toes. In rare cases, there will be ulcerous growth on the skin due to blood leakage under the skin. Due to heavy cold weather, some people will have chilblains for 4-5 months during peak season. It would leave scars on the skin, even after the disappearance of blisters.
Causes :
Exact cause of chilblains is yet to be invented. It is believed to be caused due to abnormal allergic reaction in the body due to exposure to cold temperature which is followed by warmth. Tiny blood vessels of the skin will expand more quickly than larger ones leading to leakage of blood within the tissues under the skin. This will cause rash, itching and painful blisters on the skin.
Risk Factors :
Chilblains can occur on any person, irrespective of their age but is largely seen in elderly people and children with weakened immunity. People who have circulatory disorders have increased chance for getting affected with this problem. Chilblains are found in Europe during winter season. Women are more commonly affected than men. The place/area where you live and the season of the year are deciding factors for chilblains. Individuals who are exposing their skin to cold temperature 1`are likely to get affected with chilblains.