Chilblains are tender itchy red to purple bumps that manifest when the patient is exposed to cold, reports DermNet NZ. Chilblains is also known is perniosis and is actually a form of vasculitis. Vasculitis is inflammation and damage to blood vessels. Patients with chilblains suffer an abnormal reaction to cold that causes the blood vessels near the skin, especially in the fingers and toes, to become inflamed. Chilblains do not respond well to treatment, medications and procedures can be administered that relieve the symptoms of the condition and prevent any adverse complications.
Topical Corticosteroid Creams
In the early stages of the disease, corticosteroid creams have proven useful in treating chilblains, according to MayoClinic.com. Corticosteroids help reduce the inflammation of the blood vessels and allow blood to move freely within the affected area. The drugs relive the itching and swelling typically seen in this condition. The cream is applied to the area once or twice a day and the symptoms should disappear within one to two days. Corticosteroid creams include clobetasol proprionate and hydrocortisone.
Nifedipine
Nifedipine is a slow-acting calcium channel blocker that has shown some efficacy in treating chilblains, according to a study presented in the Oct. 11, 1986, “British Medical Journal.” The drug acts by blocking calcium channels within the blood vessel. By blocking these channels, nifedipine induces dilation of the vessel. Some of the symptoms of chilblains are caused by the inability of blood to flow through the inflamed vessels. By widening the diameter of the blood vessels, nifedipine allows blood to flow normally through the affected area. Nifedipine is usually able to relieve symptoms within seven to ten days. Side effects include headache, dizziness, flushing and a steep drop in blood pressure.
Antibiotics
In severe cases of chilblains, the skin can break open and tear. This can lead to secondary infection. In this situation antibiotics should be used to reduce the chances of infection and speed up the healing process, according to DermNet NZ. Typically, an antibiotic cream is placed on the open wound. Some patients may be required to take oral antibiotics if the risk for severe infection is high. Commonly prescribed antibiotics are amoxicillin, penicillin and flucloxacillin.
