Chilblains are small lesions caused by inflammation of blood vessels in the extremities upon exposure to cold temperatures. They are more prevalent in women and in areas without central heating. Symptoms include itchy red areas, blistering, swelling and skin color changes from red to blue accompanied by pain. Risk factors include tight clothing, being underweight, poor circulation and Raynaud's disease. Treatment focuses on soothing lotions, improving circulation with medications, and prevention through protective clothing and avoiding cold exposure.

1. SEMINAR IS ON
CHIL-BLAINS
B.LAKSHMI
PHARMD INTERN

2. DEFINATION
 Chilblains are small lesions caused by the inflammation of tiny
blood vessels after exposure to cold temperatures.
 They most often affect the body's extremities, such as the toes,
fingers, heels, ears and nose.
 Chilblains can be uncomfortable, but rarely cause any permanent
damage.
.

3. EPIDEMIOLOGY
 epidemiology on chilblains is limited.
 It is prevalent in areas of the UK and Europe without
central heating.
 Prevalence in women is more when compare to men
than men. women-0.9-2.1 cases per 1000 patients
 men – 0.6 -1.2 cases per 1000 patients

4. CAUSES
 No one knows exactly what causes chilblains.
 Poor circulation
 A family history of chilblains.
 Regular exposure to cold, damp or draughty conditions.
 Poor diet
 Lupus-long term conditions that causes swelling in the
body tissues.

5. PATHOGENESIS

6. SYMPTOMS
Signs and symptoms of chilblains may
include:
 Small, itchy red areas on your skin,
often on your feet or hands
 Possible blistering or skin ulcers
 Swelling of skin
 Burning sensation on skin
 Changes in skin color from red to dark
blue, accompanied by pain

7. RISK FACTORS
 Clothing that is tight or exposes skin to the cold. Wearing tight-fitting
clothing and shoes in cold, damp weather may make more susceptible to
chilblains. And skin that's exposed to cold, damp conditions is more likely to
develop chilblains.
 Women are more likely to get chilblains than are men.
 Being underweight. People who weigh about 20 percent less than is
expected for their height have an increased risk of chilblains.
 Environment and season. Chilblains are less likely in colder and drier areas
because the living conditions and clothing used in these areas are more
protective against cold.

8. COMPLICATIONS
 Infection from blistered or scratched skin
 Ulcers forming on the skin
 Permanent discolouration of the skin
 Scarring of the skin
Having poor circulation. People with poor circulation tend to be more sensitive
to changes in temperature, making them more susceptible to chilblains.
Having Raynaud's disease. People with Raynaud's disease are more susceptible
to chilblains. Either condition can result in sores, but Raynaud's causes different
types of color changes on the skin.

9. DIAGNOSIS
 Physical examination
 They may also ask some questions about any recent exposure
to unusually cold or wet weather.
 Skin biopsy- for signs of any underlying condition, such
as skin cancer.

10. TREATMENT
 Chilblains often get better on their own after a week or two without
treatment.
 use a soothing lotion, such as calamine or witch hazel, to relieve
itching.
 If chilblains are severe and keep returning, recommend taking a
daily tablet or capsule of a nifedipine. This works by relaxing the
blood vessels, improving your circulation.
 Nifedipine can be used to help existing chilblains heal, or can be
taken during the winter to stop them developing.

11. PREVENTION
 Rewarming affected skin gently, without massaging, rubbing or applying
direct heat
 Avoiding cold exposure whenever possible
 Keeping your affected skin dry and warm, but away from sources of heat
 Applying lotion to alleviate itching
 Making sure the affected skin is cleaned with an antiseptic and gently
bandaged to prevent infection
 Avoiding scratching
 Quitting smoking, as smoking can constrict your blood vessels and slow
wound healing

12. REFERENCES
 https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-
conditions/chilblains/symptoms-causes/syc-20351097
 https://www.healthline.com/health/chilblains
 https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/skin-hair-
and-nails/chilblains