CHILBLAINS AT ABBOTTABAD, A MODERATELY COLD WEATHER STATION
Abstract
Background: Chilblains are quite often seen in various parts, in particular cold weather areas ofPakistan. Unfortunately, no studies have so far been carried out in Pakistan, to determineepidemiological aspects of chilblains. The objective of this study was to see the epidemiologicalpatterns of chilblains at a moderately cold weather station. Methods: The study was conducted atDermatology out patient department of Combined Military Hospital, Abbottabad from 1 Dec 2004to 31 Mar 2005. All the patients fulfilling clinical criteria for the diagnosis of chilblains wereregistered. Every patient was interviewed in detail followed by thorough physical examination.Complete Blood Count, Urine Routine Examination and Anti Nuclear Factor were carried out inonly those patients, having the disease of more than 3 years duration. A pre-designed proformawas filled separately for each patient. Results : Out of 111 patients, 67 (60.4%) males and 44(39.6%) females were registered with the diagnosis of chilblains. Fifty nine (53.2%) patients werelocals and 52 (46.8%) were non locals. Out door workers were 75 (67.6%). Onset in majority ofthe patients (42.3%) was in the age group 11-20 years. Family history of chilblains was present in25 (22.5%) patients and 8 patients (7.2%) were smokers. The disease of longer duration was morecommon in females and locals. Conclusion: At moderately cold weather areas, out door workersand young adolescents are more likely to develop Chilblains. The disease of longer duration ismore common among females and local residents. On the other hand, first episode or the diseaseof shorter duration is more common among non locals at moderately cold weather stations becauseof poor acclimatization and inadequate protection.Keywords : Chilblains, perniosis, cold weather injuries.References
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