Chilblains: An Old But Now More Common Problem

Discussion Chilblains is also known as perniosis is an “…inflammatory dermatosis that generally affects the dorsal feet or hands during the periods of damp and cold, but not freezing, conditions…” It produces acryl lesions. Chilblains may be derived from the Old English words “chill” and “blegen” (sore). Pernio is thought be derivative of pern(a) or haunch of the leg as the feet and legs are commonly affected. Chilblain is usually idiopathic but has been associated with Raynaud disease, blood problems including cryofibrinogenemia and rheumatologic conditions such as systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis and antiphospholipid syndrome. It should be distinguished from livedo reticularis and usually is more easily distinguished from acrocyanosis. Livedo reticularis is a net-like, red-purple skin discoloration that is caused by abnormal circulation in the affected area. It can simply occur because the area or the person is cold. Acrocyanosis a persistent, painless, deep-bluish color due to decreased oxygenated blood which usually is benign. A review and differential diagnosis of acrocyanosis can be found here. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the diagnosis of chilblains has increased along with other vascular and dermatological conditions such as MIS-C. Data is early but increasingly there is a strong association with COVID-19. Learning Point Chilblains due to COVID appears the same histologically as other etiologies. A retr...
Source: PediatricEducation.org - Category: Pediatrics Authors: Tags: Uncategorized Source Type: news