Knowra Chilblains Chilblains Chilblains are inflammatory skin lesions caused by an abnormal response to cold, producing itchy, swollen red or purple patches, usually on fingers or toes.
Cold exposure : Contact with low temperatures that lowers the temperature of skin or other tissues. Chilblains develop after cold exposure, often when skin is cold but not frozen.
Chilblain diagnosis : Clinical identification of cold-associated inflammatory lesions from their appearance, history, and course. Diagnosis typically rests on characteristic lesions and their timing after cold exposure.
Dermatitis : Inflammation of the skin that can cause redness, itching, swelling, or scaling. Chilblains are a localized inflammatory skin condition with dermatitis-like symptoms.
Chilblain recurrence : Repeated episodes of chilblain lesions, often during cold seasons. Lesions commonly return with renewed cold exposure, making prevention relevant.
Vasoconstriction : Narrowing of blood vessels that reduces blood flow through them. Cold initially narrows small skin vessels, contributing to the circulation changes behind chilblains.
Chilblain treatment : Measures used to relieve chilblain symptoms and reduce recurrence, including gradual warming and skin care. Keeping affected areas warm and dry is central to managing uncomplicated chilblains.
Acrosyndrome : A disorder affecting the extremities, especially the hands, feet, ears, or nose. Chilblains affect acral areas, the body regions most exposed to cold.
Secondary infection : An infection that develops in tissue already damaged by another condition or injury. Scratching or broken chilblain skin can provide an entry point for infection.
Reactive hyperemia : A temporary increase in blood flow after blood supply to tissue has been reduced. Rewarming can increase blood flow in cold-affected tissue and contribute to redness and swelling.
Frostbite : A freezing injury in which ice crystals and impaired blood flow damage skin and deeper tissues. Frostbite involves tissue freezing and can cause lasting damage; chilblains do not require freezing.
Show all 22