Fight chilblains

| Chilblains (or erythema pernio) are a common problem in cold seasons that affects the most exposed areas of the skin.

Chilblains (or erythema pernio) are a common problem in cold weather that produces a affectation of the most exposed areas of the skin. Normally, it causes itching and stinging, as well as redness of the skin triggered by exposure to cold. It is more common in young women with a greater susceptibility to cold.

How do chilblains manifest?

The symptoms of this condition range from milder forms to more serious ones. Mild forms are characterized by a sensation of tingling and burning in the fingers. The skin may turn purplish or bluish in color and very intense itching (pruritus) appears. Scratching can accentuate the symptoms of the injury by eroding the skin. When the lesion progresses, small vesicles may appear on the skin accompanied by inflammation. As the vesicles open and the skin cracks due to inflammation, ulcers can develop. The most serious form is the appearance of skin ulcers, which can become infected.

Lesions can last from days to weeks and are acute (short onset and duration) or chronic (duration of weeks). When they heal leave hypopigmentation (lack of coloration) residual. In the event of prolonged exposure to cold, vesicles and ulcers may appear. Chronic pernio erythema appears when a susceptible person is repeatedly exposed to cold. Repeated and chronic skin lesions occur, manifesting as redness and ulcers that can often leave residual scarring, fibrosis, and atrophy (thinning) of the skin and subcutaneous tissues after they have healed.

Treatment

The fundamental treatment is prevention, that is, measures to properly protect yourself from the cold as it is the cause of the problem. It is important, thus, feet and more exposed parts of the face with hats, gloves, ear muffs, etc.

Snuff smoke produces vasoconstriction (narrowing) of the capillaries for what it should as well as all those environments where it is smoked.

In addition, the doctor must monitor the symptoms (pain, inflammation and itching). Typically, he will prescribe medications that help relieve or vasodilator drugs that improve blood flow to the affected parts.

• Chilblains appear when it is cold in the most exposed areas of the skin: usually ears, fingers and toes.
• Symptoms can range from mild tingling to severe itching or blisters on the skin, depending on the degree of injury.
• The main treatment is prevention, so the use of gloves, hats, earmuffs ... is essential.