Causes of Chilblains
Causes of Chilblains:
Chilblains (also known as pernio or perniosis) are small, itchy, painful swellings on the skin that occur as an abnormal reaction to cold temperatures. They typically affect extremities like fingers, toes, ears, and nose. The exact cause is not fully understood, but several factors contribute to their development:
Primary Causes:
- Cold Exposure
- Prolonged exposure to cold (but not freezing) temperatures is the main trigger.
- Damp or humid cold conditions worsen the risk.
- Poor Circulation
- Reduced blood flow in small blood vessels (capillaries) due to cold leads to inflammation.
- Rapid Rewarming
- Sudden warming of cold skin (e.g., placing cold hands near a heater) can damage blood vessels, causing chilblains.
Secondary & Risk Factors:
- Autoimmune Diseases
- Lupus (SLE), Raynaud’s phenomenon, or other connective tissue disorders increase susceptibility.
- Hormonal Changes
- Women are more prone, possibly due to estrogen affecting blood vessels.
- Nutritional Deficiencies
- Low body weight, anemia, or vitamin deficiencies (e.g., B12, folate) may contribute.
- Genetic Predisposition
- Some people have a family history of chilblains.
- Tight Clothing & Poor Footwear
- Constrictive shoes or gloves impair circulation, increasing risk.
- Underlying Medical Conditions
- Diabetes, peripheral artery disease (PAD), or chronic kidney disease can worsen circulation.
- Medications
- Beta-blockers (affect blood vessel constriction) or drugs causing vasoconstriction.
- Lifestyle Factors
- Smoking (reduces circulation), sedentary habits, or excessive alcohol use.
Rare/Uncommon Causes:
- Hematologic Disorders (e.g., cryoglobulinemia)
- Infections (e.g., COVID-19 has been linked to chilblain-like lesions in some cases)
- Bone Marrow Disorders (e.g., polycythemia vera)
Prevention & Management:
- Keep extremities warm and dry.
- Avoid sudden temperature changes.
- Wear loose, layered clothing.
- Improve circulation with exercise and a balanced diet.
- Treat underlying conditions (e.g., autoimmune diseases).
If chilblains persist or worsen, consult a doctor to rule out serious conditions like vasculitis or lupus. Severe cases may require medications (e.g., nifedipine for circulation).
