National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center, a program of the National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences

Perniosis


Other Names:
Chilblains; Idiopathic perniosis; Cold-induced painful or pruritic erythematous or violaceous acral papular or nodular lesions; Chilblains; Idiopathic perniosis; Cold-induced painful or pruritic erythematous or violaceous acral papular or nodular lesions; Pernio See More
Perniosis are itchy and/or tender red or purple bumps that occur as a reaction to cold. In severe cases, blistering, pustules, scabs and ulceration may also develop. Occasionally, the lesions may be ring-shaped. They may become thickened and persist for months. Perniosis is a form of vasculitis. Signs and symptoms occur hours after cold exposure. Risk factors for perniosis include having poor blood circulation (such as due to diabetes or smoking), a family history of perniosis, poor nutrition, and low body weight. Perniosis may occur alone or in association with an autoimmune condition (e.g., lupus, scleroderma), bone marrow disorder, or cancer. Treatment aims to relieve symptoms and prevent infection. Lifestyle/adaptive changes may also be recommended to prevent future symptoms.[1]
Last updated: 8/5/2015
Perniosis is thought to be caused by an abnormal response of the blood vessels to cold temperatures.[2] In some instances, perniosis can occur in an individual for a long time and/or may be recurring. In these cases, the condition could be related to an underlying disease including:[2][3]
Last updated: 4/5/2017
The main method of treatment for perniosis focuses on avoiding exposure to cold. Individuals with this condition may be advised to keep the affected areas of their body warm by wearing insulated clothing, gloves, and footwear. The use of ultraviolet light at the beginning of cold, damp season may help prevent outbreaks. It is also suggested that people with this condition do not use cigarettes or nicotine. The use of certain medications, such as topical steroids and nifedipine, a calcium channel blocker, have been effective in treating some individuals.[2][3]
Last updated: 4/5/2017

Support and advocacy groups can help you connect with other patients and families, and they can provide valuable services. Many develop patient-centered information and are the driving force behind research for better treatments and possible cures. They can direct you to research, resources, and services. Many organizations also have experts who serve as medical advisors or provide lists of doctors/clinics. Visit the group’s website or contact them to learn about the services they offer. Inclusion on this list is not an endorsement by GARD.

Organizations Supporting this Disease

These resources provide more information about this condition or associated symptoms. The in-depth resources contain medical and scientific language that may be hard to understand. You may want to review these resources with a medical professional.

Where to Start

  • DermNet NZ is an online resource about skin diseases developed by the New Zealand Dermatological Society Incorporated. DermNet NZ provides information about this condition.
  • The National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) has a report for patients and families about this condition. NORD is a patient advocacy organization for individuals with rare diseases and the organizations that serve them.

In-Depth Information

  • Medscape Reference provides information on this topic. You may need to register to view the medical textbook, but registration is free.
  • The Monarch Initiative brings together data about this condition from humans and other species to help physicians and biomedical researchers. Monarch’s tools are designed to make it easier to compare the signs and symptoms (phenotypes) of different diseases and discover common features. This initiative is a collaboration between several academic institutions across the world and is funded by the National Institutes of Health. Visit the website to explore the biology of this condition.
  • PubMed is a searchable database of medical literature and lists journal articles that discuss Perniosis. Click on the link to view a sample search on this topic.

Questions sent to GARD may be posted here if the information could be helpful to others. We remove all identifying information when posting a question to protect your privacy. If you do not want your question posted, please let us know. Submit a new question

  • How does one conclude a diagnosis between Perniosis and Raynaud Syndrome? What are the differences between these two diseases and what test do doctors use to confirm them? See answer


  1. Chilblains. DermNet NZ. http://dermnetnz.org/reactions/chilblains.html. Accessed 1/20/2015.
  2. Maroon MS. Pernio. Medscape. May 7, 2017; http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1087946.
  3. Kroshinsky D. Pernio (chilblains). UpToDate. August 16, 2016; https://www.uptodate.com/contents/pernio-chilblains.