Chilblains

Diagnosis

To diagnose chilblains, your health care provider will examine the affected skin and discuss your symptoms and any recent exposure to cold. Mention if you are unsure about being in below-freezing temperatures, as frostbite may be a concern.

To rule out other conditions, blood tests may be needed. Your health care provider might also take a small sample of the affected skin for examination under a microscope, known as a skin biopsy.

Treatment

Chilblains can often be managed at home with proper self-care, such as keeping your hands and feet warm and dry. If symptoms persist, your health care provider may recommend medication such as:

• Topical corticosteroid: A corticosteroid cream like triamcinolone 0.1% may help heal sores caused by chilblains.

• Blood pressure medicine: In cases where other treatments don’t work, a medicine like nifedipine (Procardia), a calcium channel blocker, may be prescribed to improve blood flow and reduce symptoms.