Chilblains

GENERAL PRINCIPLES

• Chilblains are among the mildest form of cold injury and result from exposure of bare skin to a cold, windy environment (0.6-15.6°C [33-60°F]).

• The ears, fingers, and tip of the nose typically are injured, with itchy, painful erythema on rewarming.

TREATMENT

Treatment involves rapid rewarming (see Frostnip section), moisturizing lotions, analgesics, and instructing the patient to avoid reexposure.