Chilblains & Raynaud’s Phenomenon
Chilblains and Raynaud's disease are associated with symptoms that appear when exposed to cold. However, these two diseases' presentations, causes, and management are distinct.
Raynauds phenomenon and chilblains can coexist in the same person. These diseases coexist with other underlying conditions, such as blood disorders, lupus, and cancer.
To reach a definitive diagnosis, a thorough medical evaluation, including lab tests, may be required. This is especially important when other signs and symptoms are present besides Raynaud's or chilblains.
What difference Between Chilblains and Raynaud's?
Chilblains and Raynaud's turned out to have a significant difference. This is the difference between the two.
What are chill blains?
Chilblain, which is also referred to as pernio or perniosis, is a skin condition that occurs when the small blood vessels (vasculitis) become inflamed due to exposure to cold temperatures and dampness, but not freezing temperatures.
What is Raynaud's?
It is a rare condition called primary Raynaud's that causes artery narrowing (vasospasm) in response to cold or stress, particularly in the small arteries supplying the fingers and toes.
Symptoms of chilblains and Raynaud's
Symptoms of chilblains
The symptoms usually appear on the hands and feet and disappear within 7 to 21 days. However, it may become chronic or reoccur annually in some cases. Chilblains can affect the legs, ears, nose, and, in rare cases, thighs. They are most common in females who wear tight-fitting pants.
Among the symptoms are:
- Numbness and tingling in affected areas
- Small itchiness
- Vesicles (fluid-filled bumps) (fluid-filled bumps)
- Pustules (pus-filled pimples) (pus-filled pimples)
- Skin edema and pain
- Skin redness or a dark-bluish complexion
- Sensation of burning
- Skin that is thick and scaly
Symptoms of raynaud's
The symptoms usually manifest as brief attacks lasting a minute or two, but they can sometimes last for hours. Raynaud's symptoms are usually triggered by cold or emotional stress, including cold weather or dump weather. The condition usually affects the toes or fingers, but it can also affect the ears, nose, lips, or nipples on rare occasions. During a typical attack, symptoms usually start on a single finger or toe and progress to include more fingers and toes.
Symptoms could include:
- The affected area appears pale at first, then white, then blue.
- The affected area feels cold.
- Numbness
Causes of Chilblains and Raynaud's
Causes of Chilblains
According to research, chilblains are caused by the narrowing (constriction) of the small blood vessels under the skin when exposed to cold. When rewarming occurs, these blood vessels may widen, resulting in blood leakage that causes skin swelling and irritation.
Some people are predisposed to chilblains because of allergies to colds, hormonal changes, or genetic predisposition.
They can affect people of any age, but they are more common in middle-aged adults and uncommon in children. Chilblains are more common in women than in men.
The following are some of the risk factors for chilblains
- Tobacco Use Poor Nutrition
- Clothing that is too small
- Farmers, mountaineers, and fishermen are examples of occupations or professions that require frequent exposure to cold, damp conditions.
Causes of Raynaud's
The following are some of the causes of secondary Raynaud's
- Such diseases include rheumatoid arthritis, blood disorders, Buerger's disease, and Sjogren's syndrome.
- Atherosclerosis (arterial hardening) (hardening of the arteries)
- Certain occupations or professions, such as those involving the use of vibrating tools, repetitive movements (such as typing or playing the piano), or chemical exposure, are prohibited (such as plastic manufacturing)
- A history of hand or foot surgery, accidents, or frostbite
- Certain medications, such as oral contraceptives, beta-blockers, migraine medications (containing ergotamine), cold or allergy medications, and some cancer medications
- Cold exposure on multiple occasions
Chilblains and Raynaud's Prevention
Treatment between the two may differ, but they both begin with prevention: the key here is to avoid cold exposure as much as possible and, if necessary, wear appropriate socks, shoes, and boots. A special emphasis should be placed on keeping the feet dry. Furthermore, local wound care may be required to aid in healing if open wounds or blisters develop. Remember that smoking and caffeine can cause constriction of the tiny vessels in the toes, aggravating and exacerbating the symptoms.
How to treat Chilblains & Raynaud's Phenomenon?
There are various treatments that will be applicable for Chilblains. However, everyone is different. Therefore we will work with you to develop the most suitable treatment plan for you, to help you get out of pain.
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