Chilblain:
Chilblains, also called perniosis or blain, when occurring on the feet, is a medical condition that is often confused with frostbite and trench foot. Chilblains are acral ulcers that occur when a predisposed individual is exposed to cold and humidity. Acral refers to the extremities (e.g., fingers and toes). Chilblains are often idiopathic in origin but can be manifestations of serious medical conditions that need to be investigated. Chilblains can be prevented by keeping the feet and hands warm in cold weather. Smoking cessation and consultation with a dermatologist is advised.
[edit] Symptoms
- Ulceration of the digits and toes
- red nose
- Skin redness
- Toe skin inflammation
- Finger skin inflammation
- Earlobe inflammation
[edit] Duration
With treatment, chilblains usually heal within 4 weeks
[edit] Treatments
- Keep area warm
- Avoid scratching
- Anti-itch creams, such as Calamine lotion
- Zambuk ointment
- Nifedipine may be used in more severe or recurrent cases.[1] Its vasodilation helps reduce pain, facilitate healing and prevent recurrences.[2]
- Diltiazem, a newer calcium channel blocker, may also be used.[3]
[edit] Prevention
[edit] Exposure
- Avoid rapid changes in temperature.
- Wear gloves
- Use warm footwear.
- Keep hands and feet warm.
[edit] Dietary
Avoid alcohol before going out in snow
[edit] See also
[edit] Footnotes
- ^ Rustin M, Newton J, Smith N, Dowd P (1989). "The treatment of chilblains with nifedipine: the results of a pilot study, a double-blind placebo-controlled randomized study and a long-term open trial". Br J Dermatol 120 (2): 267–75. PMID 2647123.
- ^ Simon T, Soep J, Hollister J (2005). "Pernio in pediatrics". Pediatrics 116 (3): e472–5. doi:10.1542/peds.2004-2681. PMID 16140694, http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/116/3/e472.
- ^ Patra AK, Das AL, Ramadasan P. (2003). "Diltiazem vs. nifedipine in chilblains: A clinical trial". Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol 69: 209–11. PMID : 17642888, http://www.ijdvl.com/text.asp?2003/69/3/209/999.
[edit] External links
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