Pernio

Pernio, also known as chilblains, is a condition that affects the skin when it is exposed to cold and damp conditions. In this article, we will provide a simplified overview of pernio, covering its types, causes, symptoms, diagnostic tests, treatments, and medications, all explained in plain English for easy understanding.

Types of Pernio:

Pernio can manifest in various forms, with the most common being:

  1. Classic Pernio: This type occurs when the skin is exposed to cold temperatures without freezing.
  2. Acral Pernio: It mainly affects the extremities, such as fingers and toes.
  3. Periungual Pernio: Involves the nailbeds and the skin around the nails.
  4. Chilblains Lupus: A more severe form of pernio that may be associated with systemic lupus erythematosus.

Causes of Pernio:

Pernio is primarily triggered by cold weather, but various factors can contribute to its development:

  1. Cold Weather: Exposure to low temperatures and humidity.
  2. Genetics: Some individuals may have a genetic predisposition to pernio.
  3. Poor Circulation: People with poor blood circulation are more susceptible.
  4. Wet Clothes: Wearing damp clothing in cold weather can increase the risk.
  5. Tight Shoes: Ill-fitting shoes can restrict blood flow to the toes, making them more vulnerable.
  6. Smoking: Smoking can constrict blood vessels, making the skin more susceptible to damage.
  7. Autoimmune Conditions: Certain autoimmune diseases can increase the risk.
  8. Medications: Some medications may increase susceptibility to pernio.
  9. Hormonal Changes: Hormonal fluctuations can play a role, especially in women.
  10. Age: Children and elderly individuals are more susceptible.

Symptoms of Pernio:

Recognizing pernio is essential. Common symptoms include:

  1. Redness: Affected areas turn red or purple.
  2. Swelling: Swelling, particularly in fingers and toes.
  3. Itching: The skin may itch intensely.
  4. Burning Sensation: A burning or tingling feeling.
  5. Blisters: Fluid-filled blisters may develop.
  6. Ulcers: In severe cases, ulcers can form.
  7. Pain: The affected areas may be painful.
  8. Skin Discoloration: Skin can become discolored, ranging from pale to blue or black.
  9. Peeling Skin: Skin may peel as it heals.
  10. Nail Changes: With periungual pernio, nailbeds may be affected.

Diagnostic Tests for Pernio:

Diagnosing pernio involves a combination of clinical assessment and, in some cases, medical tests:

  1. Physical Examination: A doctor examines the affected areas for typical pernio symptoms.
  2. Medical History: Discussing your exposure to cold and other relevant factors.
  3. Blood Tests: To rule out underlying conditions or assess circulation.
  4. Skin Biopsy: In some cases, a small skin sample may be taken for analysis.
  5. Dermoscopy: A non-invasive technique using a special magnifying lens to examine the skin.
  6. Nailfold Capillaroscopy: Used in periungual pernio cases to evaluate nailbed capillaries.
  7. Imaging: Rarely, imaging tests like ultrasound may be used.

Treatment for Pernio:

Managing pernio involves several approaches to alleviate symptoms and promote healing:

  1. Warmth: Gradually warming the affected areas by immersing them in warm water.
  2. Avoid Cold Exposure: Prevent further exposure to cold and damp conditions.
  3. Topical Creams: Applying topical corticosteroid creams to reduce inflammation and itching.
  4. Pain Relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers can help with discomfort.
  5. Moisturizers: Using moisturizing creams to prevent skin dryness.
  6. Nifedipine: In severe cases, a prescription medication called nifedipine may be prescribed to improve blood flow.
  7. Lifestyle Changes: Quitting smoking and dressing warmly.
  8. Avoiding Tight Clothing: Especially around fingers and toes.
  9. Protective Measures: Wearing warm gloves, socks, and adequate footwear in cold weather.
  10. Elevating Affected Areas: To reduce swelling.

Medications for Pernio:

In some cases, medications may be prescribed to manage pernio:

  1. Nifedipine: Helps dilate blood vessels, improving circulation.
  2. Corticosteroids: Oral or topical steroids may be used to reduce inflammation.
  3. Pain Relievers: Over-the-counter pain medications, such as ibuprofen.
  4. Antihistamines: To alleviate itching.

Conclusion:

Pernio, or chilblains, is a condition that affects the skin due to exposure to cold and damp conditions. Recognizing its types, causes, symptoms, diagnostic tests, treatments, and medications can help individuals better understand and manage this condition. Remember, prevention and seeking medical advice are crucial steps in dealing with pernio effectively.

 

Disclaimer: Each person’s journey is unique, treatment plan, life style, food habit, hormonal condition, immune system, chronic disease condition, previous medical  history is also unique. So always seek the best advice from a qualified medical professional or health care provider before trying any treatments to ensure to find out the best plan for you. This guide is for general information and educational purposes only. If you or someone are suffering from this disease condition bookmark this website or share with someone who might find it useful! Boost your knowledge and stay ahead in your health journey. Thank you for giving your valuable time to read the article.

  1. https://medlineplus.gov/skinconditions.html
  2. https://www.aad.org/about/burden-of-skin-disease
  3. https://www.usa.gov/federal-agencies/national-institute-of-arthritis-musculoskeletal-and-skin-diseases
  4. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/skin/default.html
  5. https://www.skincancer.org/
  6. https://illnesshacker.com/
  7. https://endinglines.com/
  8. https://www.jaad.org/
  9. https://www.psoriasis.org/about-psoriasis/
  10. https://books.google.com/books?
  11. https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/skin-diseases
  12. https://cms.centerwatch.com/directories/1067-fda-approved-drugs/topic/292-skin-infections-disorders
  13. https://www.fda.gov/files/drugs/published/Acute-Bacterial-Skin-and-Skin-Structure-Infections—Developing-Drugs-for-Treatment.pdf
  14. https://dermnetnz.org/topics
  15. https://www.aaaai.org/conditions-treatments/allergies/skin-allergy
  16. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/occupational-skin-disease
  17. https://aafa.org/allergies/allergy-symptoms/skin-allergies/
  18. https://www.nibib.nih.gov/
  19. https://rxharun.com/rxharun/rxharun/article-types/skin-care-beauty/skin-diseases-types-symptoms-treatment/
  20. https://www.nei.nih.gov/
  21. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_skin_conditions
  22. https://en.wikipedia.org/?title=List_of_skin_diseases&redirect=no
  23. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skin_condition
  24. https://oxfordtreatment.com/
  25. https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/
  26. https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/w
  27. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health
  28. https://catalog.ninds.nih.gov/
  29. https://www.aarda.org/diseaselist/
  30. https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Fact-Sheets
  31. https://www.nibib.nih.gov/
  32. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/topics
  33. https://www.nichd.nih.gov/
  34. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics
  35. https://www.nichd.nih.gov/
  36. https://www.niehs.nih.gov
  37. https://www.nimhd.nih.gov/
  38. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics
  39. https://obssr.od.nih.gov/
  40. https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics
  41. https://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases
  42. https://beta.rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases
  43. https://orwh.od.nih.gov/

References