Also called pernio, chilblains are itchy, painful swellings on the fingers or toes that occur as a result of the excessive narrowing of small blood vessels under the skin in cold weather.
The swellings are typically painful when exposed to cold but become intensely itchy when the skin warms again. Chilblains usually clear up by themselves within a few weeks but may recur.
They can usually be prevented by keeping warm and exercising to encourage good blood flow to the hands and feet. Severe, recurrent chilblains may be treated with medication to widen blood vessels