What are chilblains (perniosis)?

Chilblains are itchy, swollen and painful lumps or patches on your skin. They form after exposure to cold temperatures. Chilblains are sometimes called perniosis.

They usually affect your fingers, and toes but can also occur in other places.

Chilblains usually heal in in 1 to 3 weeks. They do not cause lasting damage, but the affected area might stay sensitive to cold after they heal.

Chilblains are not the same as frostbite, which is more serious.

What are the symptoms of chilblains?

Chilblains appear as reddish-purple bumps or patches on your skin.

Chilblains can appear quickly, most often on your fingers or toes. Other areas that can be affected by chilblains are your:

• heels
• sides of the feet
• nose
• ears
• thighs

Other symptoms of chilblains are:

• itching or burning
• swelling
• pain

Blisters containing clear fluid may also form.

What causes chilblains?

Chilblains (perniosis) are caused by the small blood vessels below the skin's surface constricting too much. You are more likely to develop chilblains if you are sensitive to the cold.

They can also form due to poor circulation or sensitive skin.

Other risk factors for getting chilblains are:

• being a child or teenager
• being female
• exposure to smoking
• having a low body weight
• exposure to damp, wind or cold

When should I see my doctor?

See your doctor if your symptoms are ongoing or you can't get your pain under control. Also see your doctor if you have a lot of chilblains.

How are chilblains diagnosed?

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and examine your affected skin.

Occasionally, your doctor may recommend a blood test or sample of the lesion. This is to rule out other conditions.

How are chilblains treated?

The best treatment is staying warm and protecting your affected skin. You need to keep your whole body warm, not just your feet and hands. This keeps your warm blood circulating.

Other self-care measures include the following:

• try to avoid scratching, which can cause infection
• use a moisturiser to relieve the itching
• massage the affected area if it's not too painful or ulcerated

Once you have had chilblains they can come back. This can happen even after brief exposure to cold. So, it's important to stay warm.

Your doctor might suggest or prescribe:

• corticosteroid cream or ointment to reduce itching and swelling
• applying dressings to the affected skin
• medicine or patches to expand your blood vessels and increase blood flow to the affected areas

Can chilblains be prevented?

You can lower your risk of getting chilblains by:

• keeping your hands, feet and body warm
• avoiding cold, damp and windy conditions
• exercising regularly to improve your circulation
• not smoking, as this affects your circulation

Wear loose, warm clothes that cover your arms and legs. Wear gloves on your hands to help prevent chilblains on your fingers. Thick socks with closed shoes will help prevent chilblains on your toes.

If you have severe chilblains that keep coming back, you may be advised to take medicine when the weather is cold. This will help to prevent the chilblains from returning. Talk to your doctor about whether this may be suitable for you.

What are the complications of chilblains?

Very rarely, chilblains may be associated with blood or bone marrow disorders, or conditions like lupus or Raynaud's disease.

Chilblains may also be a sign you have peripheral vascular disease, which reduces blood flow to your feet and hands.

Resources and support

The blood and blood vessels article has more information about circulation

If you want to know more about chilblains, or to get advice on what to do next, call healthdirect on 1800 022 222 to speak with a registered nurse, 24 hours, 7 days a week.