ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Pernio or chilblain is an abnormal reaction to damp cold air, resulting in pruritic erythematous swellings on acral skin. The histologic features are subepidermal edema, diffuse fluffy edema of endothelial cell, and superficial or superficial and deep perivascular lymphocytic infiltrates. Many studies with a large sample size have been conducted in western countries, but there were no collective studies of pernio that have been reported in Korea. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to clarify the clinical and histopathologic features of pernio in Korea. METHODS: We reviewed the clinical and histopathologic findings in ten patients with pernio who visited the Department of Dermatology, Kosin Medical College Gaspel Hospital during the 10 year period from 1988 to 1997. RESULTS: The results were as follows.1. The age distribution was in the range of 6-50 year old. The prevalance was heighest in the third and fourth decade. Sex ratio was 1:4 (2 males :8 females).The duration of symptoms ranged from 4 days to 30 years. All patients developed skin lesions on the acral area. Two male patients developed skin lesions on the hand associated with cold exposure and outdoor works. All patient had itching and burning papules and/or plaques, and one had a painful hard nodule. Laboratory studies were all negative and within normal ranges.2. Histopathologic features revealed subepidermal edema, diffuse fluffy edema of endothelial cell, and superficial or superficial and deep perivascular lymphocytic infiltrates in all specimens. 3. Treatment includes prophylatic measures against cold and nifedipine(calcium channel inhibiting drug). In more severe cases, pentoxifylline might be helpful. CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that pernio commonly occurs in twenty to forty year old females during fall and winter. Upon exposure to cold temperatures, the acral skin develops pruritic erythematous papules and plaques. If these lesions persisit for a long time or recur, they may progress to vesicle and ulceration and possibly develop vasculitis which does not respond to therapy well. Thus, a thorough understanding of clinical and histopathologic features of pernio is vital in making a diagnosis, a treatment plan and determining the prognosis.