Locations:
Search IconSearch

Itchy, Red or Purple Bumps From the Cold? Chilblains Could Be the Culprit

Cold, damp conditions can cause this inflammatory skin condition

Clasped woman's hands suffering from chilblains

Brr! You know it’s important to bundle up when you go outside in frigid conditions to protect your body from hypothermia and your skin from frostbite.

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

But there’s another, lesser-known cold-weather ailment to be aware of: pernio.

Pernio, more commonly known as chilblains, is a kind of skin inflammation caused by an abnormal response by the blood vessels after exposure to cold and damp conditions.

Chilblains appear as itchy, inflamed bumps on the skin – usually on the extremities, such as the fingertips or the toes. Less commonly they can affect the nose and ears. They can appear a few hours after exposure to cold weather.

“These tend to be reddish or purple-blue skin lesions, and they cause intense itching or burning pain,” says vascular medicine specialist John R. Bartholomew, MD.

In extreme cases, the bumps can blister and ulcerate.

Young women and children are most likely to get chilblains, but anyone who spends time outside in conditions that are cold and damp is at risk.

When you’re exposed to cold, the blood vessels and arteries that are close to your skin tighten to conserve heat. When you return to a normal temperature, they expand. Chilblains are thought to be caused by inflammation resulting from that process.

Advertisement

The itchy bumps that arise can last anywhere from a few weeks to all winter. Dr. Bartholomew says that for some people, they return each year in late fall or early winter.

Doctor’s orders

Although they’ll usually go away without causing permanent injury, Dr. Bartholomew still recommends that anyone who suspects they might have chilblains see a doctor. Sometimes, they are a manifestation of an underlying disorder such as lupus. Your doctor can order blood tests to rule out possible associated conditions.

Doctors can also prescribe an ointment to apply to the skin or an oral medication to help.

Of course, though, the best course of action is to take precautions to prevent chilblains in the first place. That means protecting your body from the cold by wearing appropriate outerwear.

And, it’s important to remember that dressing warm doesn’t just mean thick socks, boots and gloves. “If you don’t wear a hat or a scarf, you’re going to lose heat from that part of your body, which can cause you to get vasoconstriction in other parts of your body where you don’t want it,” Dr. Bartholomew explains.

Also be mindful of keeping your hands and feet dry. “It doesn’t have to be an extremely cold temperature – dampness can be a problem as well,” Dr. he says. “Some people sweat in their socks, so they may need to change their socks if they get damp.”

Learn more about our editorial process.

Related Articles

Pile of tanning pills
July 23, 2024/Skin Care & Beauty
Is It Safe To Use Tanning Pills?

The results aren’t great, and the risks — like vision problems — aren’t worth it

A person's back, covered in moles and freckles, with their hand reaching over their shoulder
July 22, 2024/Skin Care & Beauty
What To Expect During a Full-Body Skin Cancer Screening

During an annual exam, your provider will check for any moles or spots that have changed in size, color or shape

Person grimacing while scratching an itch on their arm
July 19, 2024/Skin Care & Beauty
Why Am I So Itchy? Common Causes and How To Know if It’s Something Serious

Dry air, harsh soaps and even some medications can bring on an itch, but in some cases, itchiness can be a sign of an underlying condition

Person in towel in front of bathtub, with shelves of lotions, holding jar of moisturizer, applying to face
June 17, 2024/Skin Care & Beauty
14 Natural and Home Remedies for Psoriasis

Moisturize often, take oatmeal baths, use Epsom salts and follow a healthy diet to help reduce your symptoms

Person in towel standing in bathroom, with milk pticher on edge of bathtub
June 13, 2024/Skin Care & Beauty
Take the Plunge: 4 Reasons To Try a Milk Bath

Adding a little milk to your bath can leave your skin smooth, silky and refreshed

Blister on bottom of big toe
June 11, 2024/Skin Care & Beauty
5 Ways To Avoid Blisters (and the Best Way To Treat Them)

Wear properly fitted shoes, break them in ahead of time and wear moisture-wicking socks

Older hands rubbing in lotion
June 10, 2024/Skin Care & Beauty
Have Crepey Skin? Here’s How You Can Address It

Topical treatments — and even some cosmetic procedures — may help reduce the appearance of this crinkled-paper look

Older person applying skin cream to their face
June 7, 2024/Skin Care & Beauty
Benefits of Ferulic Acid as Part of Your Skin Care Routine

Ferulic acid can help make other antioxidant products more powerful

Trending Topics

Female and friend jogging outside
How To Increase Your Metabolism for Weight Loss

Focus on your body’s metabolic set point by eating healthy foods, making exercise a part of your routine and reducing stress

stovetop with stainless steel cookware and glassware
5 Ways Forever Chemicals (PFAS) May Affect Your Health

PFAS chemicals may make life easier — but they aren’t always so easy on the human body

jar of rice water and brush, with rice scattered around table
Could Rice Water Be the Secret To Healthier Hair?

While there’s little risk in trying this hair care treatment, there isn’t much science to back up the claims

Ad