MSN: Are you in danger of getting chilblains? How to avoid the cold-weather condition Are you in danger of getting chilblains? How to avoid the cold-weather condition Chilblains (CHILL-blayns) is a condition that causes inflamed swollen patches and blistering on the hands and feet.

Understanding the Context

It's caused by exposure to damp air that's cold but not freezing. Overview What are chilblains (pernio)? Chilblains, also known as pernio, are small patches of inflamed skin. They develop after exposure to air that’s cold or damp (but not freezing).

Key Insights

Usually, chilblains form on your fingers or toes. Chilblains, also known as pernio, is a medical condition in which damage occurs to capillary beds in the skin, most often in the hands or feet, when blood perfuses into the nearby tissue, resulting in redness, itching, inflammation, and possibly blisters. What are chilblains? Chilblains are tender and/or itchy bumps on acral sites following exposure to damp, cold, non-freezing conditions causing a localised form of vasculitis. Chilblains are also called pernio or perniosis.

Final Thoughts

Chilblains are red, often itchy spots that can appear on skin exposed to wet, cold weather. Learn the symptoms, treatment, and how to prevent them. Chilblains, or pernio, are red or purple bumps that develop on the hands and feet after exposure to cold or damp. Chilblains can be uncomfortable, but they usually heal on their own within 2 to 3 weeks. You can avoid chilblains by wearing warm and waterproof gloves, socks, and footwear when outdoors in damp and cold weather.