Chilblains (perniosis)

Chilblains are red or purple, itchy and painful swellings on your skin that are caused by cold. They most often affect your fingers or toes. 

Chilblains usually get better on their own. They are also called perniosis and pernio.
Chilblains are not the same as frostbite, which is more serious.

Chilblains appear as red or purple swellings on your skin and may develop quickly after exposure to cold. 

Chilblains happen when cold weather makes your small blood vessels tighten for too long, reducing blood flow. Damp and windy conditions can make this worse.

You have a higher chance of chilblains if you:

• are a child or teenager
• are female
• smoke
• have a low body weight or poor nutrition
• have poor blood flow to your hands and feet (peripheral circulation)
• work outdoors in cold conditions (for example, fishermen or farmers) or take part in cold-weather sports (for example, ice skating)
• have a condition that affects your blood flow or immune system

See your doctor if you are concerned about your symptoms or if you have symptoms that are:

• severe, not improving or keep coming back
• blistering, ulcerated (skin breaking down) or painful
• happening without exposure to cold
• occurring for the first time later in life

Your doctor may ask about your symptoms and examine your skin.

Sometimes, your doctor may suggest a blood test or a sample of the lesion (skin biopsy) to rule out other conditions.

Your doctor may refer you to a dermatologist (skin doctor).

Chilblains often get better on their own without treatment within 1 to 3 weeks. 
Treatment focuses on relieving your symptoms and preventing them from coming back. 

Your doctor might recommend or prescribe:

• corticosteroid cream or ointment to reduce itching and swelling
• applying dressings to the affected skin
• medicines that widen your blood vessels (vasodilators) and increase blood flow to the affected areas

You can lower your chance of chilblains by keeping your hands, feet and body warm. 
Avoid cold, damp and windy conditions. Quitting smoking and regular exercise can help improve your blood circulation. 

If you have severe chilblains that keep coming back, your doctor may suggest medicines during colder months. Talk to your doctor about whether this may be suitable for you.

Severe chilblains may blister or cause your skin to break down and form painful sores.

Severe or unusual chilblains may sometimes be associated with underlying conditions, such as:

• blood disorders
• autoimmune conditions such as lupus or Raynaud's disease
• viral hepatitis

The Australasian College of Dermatologists has information on chilblains (Opens in new tab).

Arthritis Australia has information on chilblains in children (Opens in new tab).

Foot Health Australia has a foot health fact sheet on chilblains (Opens in new tab).