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Risk factors
By Mayo Clinic staffFactors that may increase your risk of chilblains include:
- Exposure of skin to cold. Skin that's exposed to cold conditions and then warmed can develop chilblains.
- Being female. Women are more likely to get chilblains, though why is not known.
- Being underweight. People who weigh about 20 percent less than is expected for their height have an increased risk of chilblains.
- Where you live. Ironically, chilblains are less likely in colder and drier areas because the living conditions and clothing used in these areas are more protective against cold. But, if you live in an area with high humidity and low, but not freezing, temperatures, your risk of chilblains is higher.
- The time of year. Chilblains are more common from November to April.
- Wearing ill-fitting shoes. Chilblains may result from or be aggravated by unusual pressure on your skin, such as tight shoes.
- Having poor circulation. People with poor circulation tend to be more sensitive to changes in temperature, making them more susceptible to chilblains.
- Having been diagnosed with Raynaud's phenomenon. People with Raynaud's phenomenon, another cold-related condition that affects the extremities, are more susceptible to chilblains. Either condition can result in sores, but Raynaud's causes different types of color changes on the skin.
References
- Prakask S, et al. Idiopathic chilblains. The American Journal of Medicine. 2009;122:1152.
- Pierard GE, et al. Cold injuries. In: Wolff K, et al. Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine. 7th ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw Hill; 2008. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=2953356. Accessed July 22, 2010.
- Bielan B. What's your assessment? Dermatology Nursing. 2006;18:445.
- Patra AK, et al. Diltiazem vs. nifedipine in chilblains: A clinical trial. Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venerology and Leprology. 2003;69:209.
- Souwer IH, et al. Vitamin D3 is not effective in the treatment of chronic chilblains. The International Journal of Clinical Practice. 2009;63:282.
- Sheps SG (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. July 24, 2010.
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