Chilblains (also known as pernio) are small, itchy swellings on the skin, which are not painful at first, but can become painful. They are a localised form of vasculitis, which is an inflammation of the blood vessels in the skin. If left untreated, they can swell and dry out, leaving cracks in the skin that can expose the foot to infection.
What do they look like?
They look like red or purple discoloured areas of skin. They usually affect the toes, soles of feet and backs of heels, but they can also affect other exposed areas of skin, such as the nose, ears, and the backs and sides of fingers. Some horseriders suffer from chilblains on their thighs.
