Possible Pathophysiological Mechanism for Chilblains

Abstract

Chilblains is one indication for the use of an ethical Kampo formulation, i.e. tokishigyakukagoshuyushokyoto. This disease is a very common disorder which occurs in cold circumstances. It has been noted that this disorder correlates with diminished peripheral blood flow. However, the inflammatory mechanism associated with this disorder are still unknown. The author's intention is to speculate on the mechanism behind this disorder from the view point of homeostatic inflammation, as proposed by recent immunology. To wit, chilblains may occur via cytokines which are released from ischemic vessels of the microcirculation and/or cells associated with micro-coagulation in the post-capillary venula.