Pernio is a rare condition, also called chilblains, that affects the skin. It shows up as red, itchy spots when you’re in the cold. These spots appear in the cool seasons but go away when things warm up. Doctors look for these spots and ask about your health to tell if you have pernio. They also check if it might be something else, like lupus or Raynaud’s disease.
Doctors aren’t sure what exactly causes pernio. They think it might be linked to how blood vessels react in the skin. To treat pernio, stay warm and use some medicines like calcium channel blockers. These steps can help manage your symptoms.
During COVID-19, some studies found a link between pernio and the virus. But we need more research to be sure. On the bright side, stem cell therapy shows promise for treating pernio. It could help heal the skin by growing new tissue. We’re still learning about how well and safe this treatment is.
Key Takeaways:
- Pernio is a rare inflammatory condition that affects the acral skin.
- It is characterized by the development of inflammatory, erythematous lesions in response to cold temperatures.
- The diagnosis of pernio is based on the presence of characteristic skin lesions and medical history.
- Abnormal vasoconstriction and vasodilation responses are believed to contribute to the development of pernio.
- Treatment involves avoiding cold temperatures and managing symptoms with medications.
Symptoms of Pernio Disease
Pernio disease, or chilblains, shows up mainly on the toes, fingers, or heels. It causes the skin to become red, inflamed, and itchy. Sometimes, these areas look purple. People might also feel pain, itchiness, or a burning feeling there.
Some might also get respiratory and whole-body symptoms, but these are not too common. They could have a constant cough, stuffy nose, chills, fever, and feel tired.
The signs and how long they last can vary. Not everyone with pernio gets all these symptoms. It’s crucial to see a doctor for the correct diagnosis and treatment.
| Symptoms | Description |
|---|---|
| Inflammatory, erythematous lesions | Reddened and inflamed skin lesions |
| Pruritic lesions | Itchy skin lesions |
| Purplish coloration | Lesions may appear purple in color |
| Pain, itching, or burning sensations | Discomfort in the affected areas |
| Cough and nasal congestion | Respiratory symptoms, although less common |
| Chills, fever, and fatigue | Systemic symptoms, although less common |
Causes and Diagnosis of Pernio Disease
Pernio disease, or chilblains, is linked to how our blood vessels react to the cold in some people. We don’t know the exact cause, but we do know several things that can make it more likely. Some people might inherit a tendency to get pernio. Changes in hormones, like during puberty or pregnancy, can also play a part. Being in cold and damp places for a long time can start pernio or make it worse.
Doctors diagnose pernio by checking you over and talking about your health. They look for the common signs of pernio on your skin. They also ask about when you first noticed it, how cold you’ve been, and any other health problems. It’s important to make sure it’s really pernio and not something else that just looks like it.
They might do some tests to help figure it out. Blood tests can weed out other conditions and tell them more about your health. Sometimes a piece of skin is taken for a closer look (a skin biopsy). This helps confirm the diagnosis and make sure it’s not a different skin issue.
Diagnostic Methods for Pernio Disease
| Diagnostic Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Clinical Examination | Thorough examination of the characteristic skin lesions, evaluation of symptoms, and medical history. |
| Medical History | Inquiry about exposure to cold temperatures and any underlying medical conditions. |
| Blood Tests | Tests like D-dimer and antinuclear antibody (ANA) testing to rule out other conditions and provide additional information. |
| Skin Biopsy | Surgical procedure to obtain a small sample of skin tissue for histopathological examination and confirmation of the diagnosis. |
Getting a correct diagnosis early is key to treating pernio well. If you think you have it or are having the symptoms, see a doctor. They will examine you and help figure out what’s going on.
Stem Cell Therapy for Pernio Disease
Stem cell therapy is a new hope for treating pernio disease. It shows good results in early studies. Stem cells seem to help repair tissues and make them better.
It’s not fully clear how stem cells work in pernio yet. But they likely help the body’s immune response, calm inflammation, and boost blood flow in problem areas.
Scientists are looking into different types of stem cells for pernio. They might come from bone marrow or fat tissue. But more work is needed to choose the best stem cell types and how to give them.
This therapy could someday be a major help for pernio patients. Using the healing powers of stem cells sounds promising. Yet, it’s still new and needs careful thought. Always talk to a doctor before trying it.