Pernio is an inflammatory reaction of small blood vessels in the skin caused by rapid heating after exposure to cold. Symptoms include red, itchy skin that may turn bluish. Treatment includes corticosteroid cream and blood pressure medication, and prevention involves dressing warmly and warming up gradually.
Pernio, also known as chilblains or perniosis, is an abnormal inflammatory reaction of the small blood vessels in the skin. Inflammation can occur when the body heats up rapidly after exposure to cold temperatures. The condition appears as small patches of red, itchy skin, which may later turn bluish. Typically, pernio is not a serious medical condition that responds well to treatment.
When a person is exposed to cold temperatures, the small blood vessels in the body constrict. People who then heat up quickly by standing in front of a heater or taking a hot shower often warm up their skin too quickly. While smaller blood vessels expand in warmer temperatures, larger blood vessels can’t cope with the sudden change. This results in blood loss to nearby tissues, causing pernio to develop.
Those who have never experienced pernio before may initially feel like they have a skin disease. Some of the symptoms are similar, such as itching, burning and pain. The skin may also blister and become slightly swollen. Patients will notice that while the skin turns red at first, it can turn blue hours later. Those who cannot relieve their symptoms sufficiently with a regular lotion should see a doctor, however patients who also have diabetes or poor circulation should see a doctor right away.
Your doctor will likely prescribe a corticosteroid cream to apply to the affected skin areas to relieve both itching and swelling. Sometimes, the patient will also take a blood pressure medication, to help expand the blood vessels. While there are no specific tests for pernio, the doctor will examine the patient’s skin. If she notices that the skin is broken, cracked, or might be infected, she will also disinfect the area to prevent infection.
In addition to the use of medications and lotions, the patient can relieve his symptoms by keeping warm, but not too warm. He should avoid any direct sources of heat, such as hand warmers and heating blankets. While it can be tempting to scratch the skin, patients should resist it, as it can promote infection. Those who have an infection should follow doctor’s orders to clean the area and apply an antiseptic.
Pernio is not typically a dangerous medical condition. Most patients will notice their skin clearing up within one to three weeks. To prevent pernio from recurring, people should dress warmly before heading outside in cold weather. It is especially important to keep your feet, hands and face warm. After leaving cold temperatures, people should warm up gradually.
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