Pernio (“chilblains”) is a painful inflammation that develops on the extremities of the skin (usually the fingers, toes, nose and ears) as a result of exposure to cold. Exposure to cold, damp weather causes small blood vessels in the skin to narrow, followed by sudden widening once warmed again. This sudden change causes blood to pool beneath the skin and leads to inflammation. It's seen more often in women and those with a lower body mass index. Smoking, and wearing tight shoes, gloves or clothing in cold, damp weather, increases the risk of developing pernio. It's also seen more often in certain connective tissue conditions and in people with Raynaud's phenomenon.
Babies can develop chilblains if they aren't dressed appropriately (including a face covering) in damp or cold weather.
Symptoms of pernio include:
Redness, discolouration, swelling
Itching, burning and sensitivity
Small red-purple lesions on the skin
In some cases, blisters or ulcers on the skin
Treatment primarily involves protecting from the cold, keeping the affected area warm, and using medications that support blood circulation. Particularly for babies, using suitable clothing along with a face covering in cold, damp weather is important to prevent pernio developing. Pernio usually heals within a few weeks, but there's a risk of recurrence if the cold weather continues.