What Is Perniosis? Causes, Symptoms

Perniosis, also known as chilblains, is a skin condition triggered by exposure to cold, leading to red and itchy patches on the skin. The exact cause of perniosis is not fully understood, but it is believed to be related to the body's abnormal reaction to cold temperatures. It commonly affects the fingers, toes, ears, and nose.

Proper protection from cold weather can help prevent perniosis. If you experience any unusual skin changes, consult a healthcare provider for evaluation and guidance. Stay warm and keep your skin well-protected during colder months to minimize the risk of perniosis.

What Are the Symptoms of Perniosis

The affected areas may feel hot or tender to touch. In severe cases, blisters or ulcers may develop. Symptoms usually appear after exposure to cold and damp conditions. Keeping warm and avoiding extreme temperatures can help prevent perniosis.

Red or purplish patches on the skin, often on the fingers or toes, are a common symptom of Perniosis, also known as Chilblains.
Swelling and tenderness in the affected areas, accompanied by a burning or itching sensation, may indicate the presence of Perniosis.
Skin may feel unusually warm to the touch, even in cold temperatures, for individuals with Perniosis.
Blisters or ulcers may develop on the skin, particularly if the condition is severe or left untreated.
Some people with Perniosis may experience a sense of numbness or a pins-and-needles sensation in the affected areas.

Get a second opinion from trusted experts and makeconfident, informed decisions.

Get Second Opinion

Causes of Perniosis

The exact cause of perniosis is not fully understood, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic predisposition, poor circulation, and exposure to cold and damp conditions.

Individuals with a history of poor circulation, autoimmune disorders, or living in cold climates are at a higher risk of developing perniosis.

Perniosis, also known as chilblains, can be caused by exposure to cold and damp conditions, leading to inflammation of the small blood vessels in the skin.
Genetics may play a role in predisposing individuals to perniosis, as certain people may have a genetic susceptibility to developing this condition when exposed to cold temperatures.
Poor circulation, which can be a result of underlying medical conditions such as Raynaud's disease or peripheral artery disease, can increase the risk of developing perniosis.
Perniosis may also be triggered by sudden temperature changes, such as moving from a warm environment to a cold one, causing the blood vessels in the skin to constrict and become inflamed.

Types Of Perniosis

Perniosis, also known as Chilblains, can be classified into two main types: acute and chronic. Acute perniosis typically occurs in response to sudden cold exposure and resolves on its own within a few weeks.

Chronic perniosis, on the other hand, is characterized by persistent or recurrent symptoms over an extended period of time. Both types can cause discomfort and skin discoloration.

Chilblains, also known as pernio, is a type of Perniosis that commonly affects the extremities, such as the toes and fingers, due to exposure to cold and damp conditions.
Actinic Perniosis is a specific form of Perniosis triggered by prolonged exposure to cold temperatures combined with UV radiation, leading to skin lesions resembling those caused by frostbite.
Lupus Perniosis is a type of Perniosis associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), an autoimmune disease, characterized by the development of red or purple lesions on the skin, particularly on the face and ears.

Risk Factors

Perniosis, also known as chilblains, can be triggered by various risk factors such as cold weather, poor circulation, wearing tight footwear, and a family history of the condition.

Additionally, individuals with underlying health conditions like autoimmune disorders or vascular diseases may be more susceptible to developing perniosis. Proper protection and avoiding prolonged exposure to cold environments can help prevent this condition.

Perniosis risk factors include being female, as the condition tends to affect women more than men.
Individuals with a family history of Perniosis are at higher risk of developing the condition themselves. Exposure to cold and damp environments increases the likelihood of developing Perniosis.
Smoking is a significant risk factor for Perniosis, as it can affect blood circulation and make individuals more susceptible to the condition.
People with certain underlying health conditions such as autoimmune disorders or circulation problems are at an increased risk of developing Perniosis.

Your health is everything - prioritize your well-being today.

Schedule Your Appointment

Diagnosis of Perniosis

Perniosis is diagnosed by a healthcare provider based on your symptoms and physical examination. They may ask about your medical history and conduct blood tests or skin biopsies to confirm the diagnosis.

It's important to seek medical attention if you suspect Perniosis, as early detection can help manage symptoms effectively.

1. Physical examination: A healthcare provider may diagnose Perniosis (Chilblains) based on observing the characteristic skin changes on the affected areas, such as redness, swelling, and itching.
2. Medical history review: The doctor will inquire about the patient's history of exposure to cold or damp conditions, previous occurrences of Perniosis, and any other relevant health information to help with the diagnosis.
3. Blood tests: Laboratory tests, including blood tests, can be conducted to rule out other conditions with similar symptoms and to check for abnormalities in the blood that may be associated with Perniosis.
4. Skin biopsy: In some cases, a sample of skin tissue may be taken for biopsy to examine it under a microscope.

Treatment for Perniosis

Treatment for Perniosis focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing complications. Options may include keeping the affected area warm, using moisturizing lotions, and taking over-the-counter pain relievers.

In severe cases, a healthcare provider may prescribe medications to help reduce inflammation and discomfort. It's important to protect the skin from extreme cold and to seek medical advice for proper management of Perniosis.

Topical corticosteroid creams can be used to reduce inflammation and itching associated with Perniosis, helping to alleviate discomfort and promote healing of the affected skin.
Keeping the affected areas warm and dry by wearing appropriate clothing and using hand and foot warmers can help prevent Perniosis flare-ups and provide relief from symptoms.
Oral medications such as antihistamines may be prescribed to help manage itching and discomfort caused by Perniosis, offering symptomatic relief to those affected by the condition.
Application of moisturizing creams and lotions can help maintain skin hydration and prevent dryness, which can exacerbate Perniosis symptoms and lead to further skin irritation.

Find Our Specialists

Book Doctor Appointment

Name*

Mobile Number*

I agree to the Medicover Privacy Policy

International Patient Services

Still have questions? Speak with our experts now!

040-68334455

Frequently Asked Questions

What early signs should I look for with Perniosis?

Look for red or purple patches on skin, itching, and swelling in fingers, toes, nose or ears after cold exposure.

What lifestyle changes should I make to manage Perniosis effectively?

To manage Perniosis, avoid cold exposure, keep warm with layers, wear gloves and socks, stop smoking, and limit caffeine and alcohol intake.

How can Perniosis affect the body in the long term?

Perniosis can lead to chronic skin changes and potential repeat episodes of symptoms in the affected areas over time.

How is Perniosis typically managed?

Perniosis is managed by keeping the affected area warm, avoiding exposure to cold, and using moisturizers and corticosteroid creams for symptom relief.