Abstract
Background
Chilblains is a benign condition infrequently encountered in clinical practice; its
resemblance to vasculitis or peripheral thromboemboli can often result in an extensive
and unnecessary diagnostic work-up.
Method
Three cases of chilblains seen by our Rheumatology service, along with 113 documented
cases, were reviewed.
Results
Chilblains is characterized by painful red-to-purple papular lesions involving the
acral surface of fingers or toes that resolves with symptomatic treatment. Female
sex and low body mass index are risk factors.
Conclusion
Distinct clinical features of chilblains can be used for early recognition and management,
thus avoiding unnecessary diagnostic testing and delays in patient care. © 2009 Elsevier
Inc. All rights reserved.
Keywords
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Article Info
Footnotes
Funding: The authors have no financial disclosure.
Conflict of Interest: The authors have no conflicts of interest, and attest to ethical adherence.
Authorship: Each person listed as an author participated in the preparation of this article to a significant extent.
Identification
Copyright
© 2009 Elsevier Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
