Perniosis
Wang L. Cheung, MD, PhD
Key Facts
Terminology
Cold or wet-induced inflammatory reaction at acral sites
Clinical Issues
Multiple erythematous papules or plaques on fingers and toes
Symmetrical distribution
Microscopic Pathology
Mild papillary dermal edema
Superficial and deep perivascular inflammatory infiltrate
Perieccrine involvement by lymphocytes
Lymphocytic vasculitis
Top Differential Diagnoses
Erythema multiforme
Drug eruption
 Clinical photograph of perniosis demonstrates violaceous papules on the fingers and hand. |
 Perniosis demonstrates some papillary dermal edema  with superficial and deep perivascular inflammatory infiltrate  in acral skin  . |
TERMINOLOGY
Abbreviations
Perniosis (pernio)
Synonyms
Chilblains
Definitions
Cold or wet-induced inflammatory reaction at acral sites
ETIOLOGY/PATHOGENESIS
Environmental Exposure
Cold and wet conditions such as cold weather with homes lacking heating
Associations
In young patients
Cold agglutinins
Cryoglobulins
Some vascular issues in some patients
Connective tissue disease
Behçet disease
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