Which cold-related disorder is characterized by painful, itching swelling of the skin typically on the hand or foot due to poor circulation in the cold?

Which cold-related disorder is characterized by painful, itching swelling of the skin typically on the hand or foot due to poor circulation in the cold?

• A. Frostbite
• B. Frostnip
• C. Trench Foot
• D. Chilblain

Answer: (D)

Chilblains occur after exposure to cold, damp conditions when small blood vessels in the skin react abnormally. The result is inflamed, itchy, and painful swelling, often on the hands or feet, due to impaired circulation as you rewarm. This fits the description given. Frostbite is tissue freezing with numbness and pale, hard skin that can lead to tissue loss. Frostnip is a milder superficial freezing with numbness but no swelling or tissue damage. Trench foot comes from prolonged exposure to cold, wet conditions and causes numbness and swelling as well, but not the characteristic itchy inflammation of chilblains.

Chilblains occur after exposure to cold, damp conditions when small blood vessels in the skin react abnormally. The result is inflamed, itchy, and painful swelling, often on the hands or feet, due to impaired circulation as you rewarm. This fits the description given.

Frostbite is tissue freezing with numbness and pale, hard skin that can lead to tissue loss. Frostnip is a milder superficial freezing with numbness but no swelling or tissue damage. Trench foot comes from prolonged exposure to cold, wet conditions and causes numbness and swelling as well, but not the characteristic itchy inflammation of chilblains.