A comprehensive guide to recognizing, managing and preventing painful effects of chilblains in cold weather
Chilblains or Pernio occur in response to extremely cold temperatures. If you have chilblains, you will notice small red itchy painful bumps on your skin, usually in the areas where you feel cold the most: toes, fingers, nose and ears. These bumps appear 12-14 hours after exposure to cold.
Although as many as one in 10 people in Kashmir are thought to get chilblains at some point in their lives, doctors are not sure why they get them or why some people are more susceptible than others. They occur frequently in children and the elderly. The tiny blood vessels under the skin become narrow when the skin gets cold. When your body heats up again, it is thought that some blood may leak out causing the swelling. You are more likely to get chilblains if you have poor circulation or other blood vessel problems.
SYMPTOMS
If you are susceptible to chilblains, you will notice burning and itching in the affected areas. Next, you will notice the typical red swellings that may turn purple or become blisters in extreme cases. While chilblains are very uncomfortable or even painful, they are usually not permanent and usually go away when the warm weather returns. People with lupus, Reynard’s or who smoke are more at risk for chilblains because these conditions affect your blood vessels.
There are two types of chilblains: chronic and acute. The chronic type of chilblains last for at least five months of the year for at least three years. With chronic chilblains, you may also see scarring. People who have acute chilblains usually only have them for one to two weeks.
DIAGNOSIS
If you notice these red, itchy swellings on your skin and you have not had them before, you should see your doctor so he or she can rule out other serious conditions, such as lupus or Raynauds. Chilblains can recur and this is normal but if you notice anything different about the bumps or if the bumps become infected, you should seek medical advice
TREATMENT
Chilblains are generally treated at home with simple remedies. They are usually self-limiting, meaning they go away on their own.
Keep the affected areas warm, but not too hot. (Never use a hot water bottle directly on your skin). You can use Compound Tincture of Benzoin, also called Friars, Balsam, or another antiseptic lotion to help reduce the chance of infection. Lanolin cream can be used at night to keep your skin soft and supple.
If you notice blisters or if those blisters become infected, seek medical advice right away.
PREVENTION
If you are susceptible to chilblains, be sensible in cold weather by wearing gloves and warm clothing in layers. If you are outside in the cold, keep active to improve your circulation and do not wear tight shoes because this can restrict circulation. Keep your skin moisturized. Drink hot drinks to keep your entire body warm. If you smoke and get chilblains, try to quit because smoking damages.
Note: Keep yourself hydrated as the skin dries in winter
The writer is a microbiologist
Aejaz Iqbal
ai********@***il.com