Skin Health More Skin Conditions Chilblains: Everything You Need to Know By Rachael Zimlich, BSN, RN Rachael Zimlich, BSN, RN Rachael is a freelance healthcare writer and critical care nurse based near Cleveland, Ohio. Learn about our editorial process Published on June 13, 2022 Medically reviewed Verywell Health articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and healthcare professionals. These medical reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Leah Ansell, MD Medically reviewed by Leah Ansell, MD LinkedIn Leah Ansell, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and an assistant professor of dermatology at Columbia University. Learn about our Medical Expert Board Print Table of Contents View All Table of Contents Symptoms Risk Factors Complications Treatment Prevention Frequently Asked Questions Chilblains (also known as perniosis) are small bumps or patches of skin that can become inflamed, red, or itchy after you've been exposed to the cold. Unlike skin damage from frostbite, chilblains are a rare inflammatory vascular condition that don't usually cause permanent damage or discoloration. Not everyone develops chilblains in the cold. This article will review what you can expect if you develop chilblains, what they feel like, how to treat them, and how long it will take them to go away. Carol Yepes / Getty Images The term "chilblain" has its roots in Latin and Old English words for frostbite, but today these patches of irritation from the cold go by several names, including:Chilblain lupus erythematosus (CHLE)PerniosisPernioCold-induced vascular disease Symptoms The primary symptoms of chilblains are red, bluish, or purple skin lesions that appear after exposure to cold, damp environments. These patches form because of an abnormal small blood vessel reaction to the cold. Beyond discoloration, you may experience symptoms like: Pain or tenderness Intense itching Burning or stinging Swelling Blistering Symptoms usually appear 12–24 hours after exposure to the cold and affect the lower legs, toes, feet, hands, and face. Lesions typically resolve in a few weeks but could cause scarring or thickening of the skin that remains for several years. How Chilblains Form When small veins and arteries are exposed to cold weather, they tighten up (constrict), which is a common reaction to the cold. In people who get chilblains, as the tissues rewarm, blood leaks out of the blood vessels and into the surrounding tissues. This causes swelling, nerve irritation, and pain. What Causes a Purple Finger? Risk Factors There are some known risk factors for developing chilblains, but the causes are sometimes unknown. More women develop chilblains than men, and they usually develop in young adults or middle-aged people, while children and older adults are rarely affected. The most common risk factors are: Poor nutrition Low body weight Tight-fitting clothing (which decreases blood flow) Circulatory or cardiovascular disease Infection Hormonal changes Genetics Chilblains can develop as a standalone condition or as a secondary symptom of another disease. Lesions associated with chilblains are often confused for symptoms of different diseases, including: Raynaud's disease Celiac disease Viral hepatitis Autoimmune diseases Vasculitis Cellulitis COVID-19 Complications Chilblains usually resolve on their own but may develop again with exposure to cold temperatures. In most cases, chilblain lesions fade or disappear within weeks, but in rare cases, they can linger for years. Blister-like lesions that are rubbed or irritated may scab over, form ulcers, or become infected. Chilblains can also cause scarring in people who heal slowly or are continually exposed to the cold. Treatment Chilblains typically go away on their own within two to three weeks, and treatment is not usually necessary. Here are some steps you can take to find relief while you wait for them to clear: Stay out of the cold when possible. Warm the affected area. Keep skin clean and dry. Avoid scratching and apply lotion or cream to alleviate itching. When to See a Healthcare Provider If your pain is severe, if you think you are developing an infection, or if your symptoms haven't improved within one to two weeks, call your provider to discuss additional treatment options. In severe or complicated cases, a healthcare provider may recommend treatment with medications such as: Afeditab (nifedipine): A blood pressure medication used to improve circulation Topical steroids: Creams applied directly to the affected area, used to treat inflammation Tylenol (acetaminophen) Advil or Motrin (ibuprofen) Prevention Wearing warm clothing that keeps your skin dry can help prevent chilblains. Quitting smoking and avoiding caffeine can help too since both can impair your circulation and increase your risk of developing chilblains. Smoking Cessation: How to Quit and What to Expect Summary "Chilblains" is the common name for perniosis, a condition in which red, itchy, or inflamed lesions form when you are exposed to cold, damp environments. You may develop chilblains independently or as part of another condition. Treatment isn't usually necessary for chilblains, and they will go away on their own in time. You can prevent these lesions from forming by avoiding the cold and by keeping your skin warm and dry. A Word From Verywell Chilblains can be an uncomfortable side effect of cold, damp weather, but they are not usually permanent and rarely require any treatment. If you or someone in your family has developed red or bluish patches after being in the cold, take extra care to dress in waterproof, warm clothing if you plan to be in the cold again. Frequently Asked Questions What causes chilblains? Cold weather causes chilblains. A number of conditions or diseases can increase your chances of developing these lesions, but they can also occur on their own. Learn More: Frostbite and Other Cold-Weather Foot Conditions Will chilblains go away on their own? Chilblains usually go away with no treatment at all. However, if you are exposed to the cold for long periods of time or develop an ulcer or infection from a chilblain, chilblains can take months to heal or even leave scars. Learn More: How to Treat Frostbite How long does it take chilblains to go away? Chilblains usually appear 12–24 hours after cold exposure and last for a week or two. In rare cases, they may take years to resolve and scars could form in place of the lesions. Healing may take longer if you develop ulcers, infections, or continue to be exposed to the cold after developing chilblains. Learn More: An Overview of Skin Ulcers Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit 7 Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Cardenas-de la Garza JA, et al. Chilblain lupus erythematosus associated with systemic and discoid lupus erythematosus, Rheumatology. February 2021; 60(2):988. doi:10.1093/rheumatology/keaa385. Nyssen A, et al. Chilblains. Vasa. March 2020; 49(2). doi:10.1024/0301-1526/a000838 National Organization for Rare Disorders. Perniosis. National Organization for Rare Disorders. Perniosis. Kashetsky N, Mukovozov IM, Bergman J. Chilblain-Like Lesions (CLL) Associated With COVID-19 ("COVID Toes"): A Systematic Review. J Cutan Med Surg. 2021;25(6):627-633. doi:10.1177/12034754211004575 National Health Service. Chilblains. Sparrow. Chilblains.