Published on 04 September 2026
When chilly weather arrives, you might notice you have unusually cold hands and feet, that your fingers and toes change colour, or that the skin becomes itchy and swollen. Two of the most common cold-related conditions responsible for these symptoms are chilblains and Raynaud's syndrome.
Because both conditions tend to affect the fingers and toes and are usually triggered by the cold, they’re frequently confused. However, chilblains and Raynaud's are quite different conditions with distinct causes, symptoms and treatments. Understanding the difference can help you manage your symptoms more effectively and know when to seek medical advice.
What Is Raynaud's syndrome?
Raynaud's syndrome, also known as Raynaud’s disease, Raynaud's Phenomenon or simply Raynaud’s, is a condition that affects blood circulation. It occurs when the small blood vessels in the fingers, toes and sometimes other extremities have an exaggerated reaction to the cold, dilating and reducing blood flow to the affected areas.
The cold is the most common trigger, causing chilliness in the hands and feet - although anxiety or stress can also bring on an attack. During an episode, the affected fingers or toes often turn white as blood flow is reduced. They may then turn blue because of the lack of oxygen before becoming red as circulation returns.
Many people experience numbness, tingling and a sensation of intense cold. As blood flow returns, the fingers or toes may throb, burn or become painful. Symptoms usually resolve once the body warms up and circulation returns to normal.
For most people, Raynaud's attacks are temporary, lasting from a few minutes to an hour or so, although severe cases can last longer.
What are chilblains?
Chilblains, also known as pernio, are an inflammatory skin condition caused by exposure to cold and damp conditions. Unlike Raynaud's, chilblains are not a circulation disorder but an abnormal skin reaction to cold exposure.
When the skin is exposed to the cold and then warms up too quickly, the small blood vessels beneath the skin can become inflamed. This causes painful lesions to develop, and you may also notice that your toes, heels, ears, nose and fingertips are itchy.
The symptoms of chilblains often appear several hours after exposure to the cold rather than immediately. Affected areas may become red, purple or deep pink and can feel itchy, tender or swollen. Some people experience a burning sensation, while others develop small blisters or cracks in the skin.
Unlike a Raynaud's attack, which typically resolves quickly, chilblains can persist for days or even weeks before healing completely.
What are the key differences between chilblains and Raynaud's Disease?
Although both conditions are linked to chilly weather, the symptoms are quite different.
Raynaud's is primarily a problem with blood vessel function. Typical symptoms are temporary skin colour changes, usually from white to blue to red. Numbness and tingling are common, and symptoms disappear once circulation returns.
Chilblains are a skin reaction. Rather than causing dramatic colour changes during an attack, they produce patches of inflamed skin. Itching is a common symptom, along with swelling, tenderness and redness.
The timing of symptoms is often one of the easiest ways to distinguish between the two. Raynaud's symptoms tend to occur immediately when exposed to cold and improve quickly once warmed up. Chilblains usually develop later, often hours after exposure, and can linger long after the cold trigger has passed.
How to tell if you have Raynaud’s
If you have Raynaud's, you may notice a pattern in your symptoms when exposed to cold temperatures. Within minutes, your fingers may turn white and lose sensation, then develop a bluish tinge before eventually becoming red, warm and uncomfortable once you’re back indoors.
These episodes usually affect fingers on both hands, or toes on both feet. And, because attacks are temporary, there’s usually little visible evidence once circulation has returned to normal.
How to tell if you have chilblains
Chilblains often look quite different. You may spend time outside in cold, damp weather and notice nothing unusual at first. Several hours later, your toes or fingers become itchy and tender. Red or purple patches can appear, and the skin may feel swollen or unusually sensitive.
Unlike Raynaud's, the symptoms don't disappear once you warm up. In fact, some people find their symptoms become more noticeable as you warm up again. The affected areas can remain uncomfortable for several days and sometimes longer.
The presence of itchy, inflamed skin lesions is one of the strongest clues that chilblains rather than Raynaud's is the culprit.
Can you have both chilblains and Raynaud’s Disease?
Some people experience both Raynaud's syndrome and chilblains – and individuals with Raynaud's may be more susceptible to developing chilblains because reduced circulation can make the skin more vulnerable to cold-related damage.
This overlap can make diagnosis more challenging, particularly if symptoms vary throughout the season.
Who is most at risk of chilblains and Raynaud’s Disease?
Certain people are more likely to develop Raynaud's Syndrome. According to Scleroderma and Raynaud’s UK, women are more likely to develop primary Raynaud’s, and a family history of the condition may increase the risk. People with autoimmune diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis or scleroderma are more likely to experience secondary Raynaud's.
Chilblains tend to occur more often in people who live in cold, damp climates. Those with poor circulation, low body weight or a history of previous chilblain episodes may also be more susceptible.
Both conditions are often more likely to occur during autumn and winter when temperatures drop and exposure to cold becomes harder to avoid.
What are the treatment and prevention options for chilblains and Raynaud’s Disease?
The good news is that both chilblains and Raynaud's can often be managed with simple preventative measures.
For Raynaud's, the focus is on maintaining warmth and protecting circulation. Wearing gloves, thick socks and layered clothing can help prevent attacks. Avoiding sudden temperature changes, stopping smoking and managing stress may also reduce symptoms. In more severe cases, doctors may prescribe medications that help widen blood vessels and improve blood flow.
See more information on treatment options for Raynaud’s in our guide Can Raynaud’s Disorder be cured? A guide to treatments and medication options.
For chilblains, prevention revolves around protecting the skin from cold and damp conditions. Warm clothing, waterproof footwear and gradual rewarming after exposure can help reduce the risk. It is important to avoid placing very cold hands or feet directly against intense heat sources, as rapid warming may worsen symptoms. In some cases, prescription creams or medications may be recommended.
When do I need to see a health professional for chilblains and Raynaud’s Disease?
While both conditions are usually manageable, you should always seek medical advice if your symptoms are severe, recurring or difficult to control. For Raynaud’s, we would recommend booking a consultation with one of our rheumatology experts if:
- Your symptoms first appeared after the age of 30 or 40
- Only one hand or foot is affected
- Attacks are becoming more frequent or severe
- You develop sores or ulcers on your fingers or toes
- Everyday activities are being disrupted
- You experience joint pain, skin changes or any symptoms related to the autoimmune conditions described above
For chilblains, you should speak to your NHS GP or one of our Private GPs if the symptoms persist for several weeks, become infected, or are causing pain, blistering or skin damage.
Treatment for chilblains and Raynaud’s Disease at Benenden Hospital
Although chilblains and Raynaud's are both associated with chilly weather, they are quite different conditions. Paying attention to the timing of symptoms, the appearance of the skin and how long the symptoms last can often help you distinguish between the two.
If you’re unsure which condition you have, or if symptoms are severe or worsening, we can help. Book an appointment with our Private GP service through our online booking tool, completing our online enquiry form or by calling our Private Patient team on 01580 363158.