Exposure to cold can cause different skin problems. The most common is a dermatosis that has the technical designation name of pernio or perniosis, and commonly known as chilblains . In addition to exposure to cold, moisture also favors chilblains. Thus, this problem is concentrated in the coldest and wettest seasons, that is, in late autumn and in winter. Women are most affected, especially those between 16 and 40 years, but children and men can also develop chilblains. What are chilblains Chilblains are caused by an abnormal reaction to the cold of small blood vessels for reasons that are not known. In most people, chilblains appear 12-24 hours after exposure to the cold and take 1-3 weeks to disappear. However, In other people, they can be chronic or appear recurrently, even outside the cold seasons. The most affected areas are the dorsum of fingers, hands and feet, cheeks, nose and ears . Chilblains start with the formation of more prominent areas of skin and local changes in its color, which turn purplish (or bluish-red); There may be swelling (edema); In more severe chilblains, blisters form and can end up as cracks and sores; These lesions are usually accompanied by itching, burning sensation, and sometimes pain. Prevent chilblains The main measures to prevent chilblains are related to protection from exposure to cold and humidity and are: Wear appropriate clothing and shoes for the environmental conditions to protect you from the cold; Keep the skin well hydrated, ensuring an adequate fluid intake and reinforcing the local application of moisturizing creams or lotions; Outside, keep the most exposed areas well protected, for example, wear gloves, a hat to protect your ears and a scarf to protect your face and nose; Do not let damp or wet clothes (especially socks) to dry on the body; Avoid footwear that makes you sweat and increases moisture; Do not expose the body areas more prone to chilblains to sources of intense heat as this favor dryness of the skin and make it more sensitive to lesions; Prefer environments with a moderate temperature. In people with more serious problems with chilblains, medicines can be used for prevention, but always associated with the measures indicated above. Chilblains treatment Treating chilblains may not be simple . But from late winter onwards, as warmer weather approaches, they usually disappear. Locally applied medications can be used to relieve itching and burning. In some cases, systemic medications may be indicated. When to seek medical care Chilblains are a common problem that resolves itself when weather gets warmer. However, when they do not respond to prevention and treatment measures or are recurrent , they may also be related to other problems. In these circumstances, it is advisable to have an evaluation in a dermatology consultation . Author : José Campos Lopes Meet the dermatology clinical team from Hospital da Luz network. The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
