Chilblains are due to an abnormal reaction of the skin vessels to cold involving a prolonged state of spasm whereby the nutrition of the skin suffers. The constitutional factors that produce this state are not understood. Those who are subject to chilblains must take an intelligent interest in the technique of preventing chilling of the extremities.
Use can be made of an effect of large doses of ultra-violet light which, by temporarily damaging the skin vessels, make them unable to shrink with cold for some months after treatment. Three to four times the erythema dose is given to the area of skin expected to be involved just before the time of the usual onset of chilblains, and this treatment is repeated twice more at weekly intervals. For established chilblains 5 per cent. compound tincture of benzoin in hydrous wool fat ointment is a soothing application. Some cases are so severe as to warrant sympathectomy.
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