A Case of Childhood Pernio Treated with Nifedipine / 대한피부과학회지

ABSTRACT

Pernio, or chilblains, are a localized inflammatory lesion of the skin resulting from an abnormal response to cold. The condition is characterized by cutaneous lesions located on the distal parts, such as the fingers, toes, nose and ears. Pernio develops among susceptible individuals who are exposed to non-freezing condition and most commonly occurs among young women and children. However, reports on childhood pernio are rarely found. Several conditions have been described as predisposing factors to pernio, including excessive cold exposure, low-grade vasculitis, the presence of cryoproteins, anorexia nervosa, systemic lupus erythematous and antiphospholipid antibodies. It is important, therefore, when evaluating a patient with chronic pernio who is resistant to conservative management, to exclude an underlying condition and also to determine whether additional testing is necessary. Herein, we present an uncommon case of a 5-year-old female patient with chronic pernio that may be associated with the presence of cold agglutinin. She received topical steroids prior to evaluation but no improvement was seen. Howere, treatment with calcium channel blocker, nifedipine, was of benefit to our patient.