Chilblains – Painful, itchy, and easily preventable
Chilblains (also known as Erythema Pernio) are painful, itchy, red or purple patches that usually appear on the toes, fingers, and other extremities during cold weather. They occur when the skin’s small blood vessels constrict in response to cold, then rapidly rewarm — resulting in inflammation and skin damage.
If you’ve had them before, you’ll know just how uncomfortable and frustrating they can be. But the good news? They’re treatable, and even preventable, with the right care.
Common symptoms include:
- Burning, tingling or intense itching
- Swollen, red or purple skin patches (often on toes)
- Skin that feels cold to the touch but is painful or itchy
- In severe cases, blisters or ulcers may develop
Early care is essential. Left untreated, chilblains can break down and lead to infection — especially if the skin becomes cracked or ulcerated.
