The bigger picture

Chilblains, also known as perniosis, occur when the skin reacts to a change in temperature. They tend to affect extremities such as the toes, fingers, nose and ears. A few hours after being exposed to the cold, the affected area feels itchy, and the discomfort can be greater if the sufferer is in a warm environment. The skin may swell and redden, or even turn blue, and sometimes sores or blisters develop. These breaks in the skin can lead to infection. Chilblains usually resolve within two to three weeks, provided that further cold exposure is avoided.

People with poor circulation (including conditions such as Raynaud’s phenomenon or systemic lupus erythematosus), those with a poor diet or who are underweight or smoke, and individuals who are regularly exposed to cold and damp conditions, are more likely to suffer from chilblains than others. Women tend to be affected more than men, and the elderly and children are also more likely to get chilblains than other age groups. Family history of chilblains is also a risk factor.