Tag: Chilblains

It is estimated that 1 in 10 people in the UK will experience chilblains at some point in their life [1.7.2, 1.7.4]. For some, this painful condition may be linked to their medication, leading them to ask: **can beta blockers cause chilblains?**

While nifedipine is best known as a calcium channel blocker for cardiovascular conditions, research from as early as 1989 suggests it can offer a beneficial effect against the severe itching and hives of chronic idiopathic urticaria. Despite this, its use for itching remains an off-label application that requires careful medical consideration, as itching can also be a rare side effect.

Chilblains are painful, inflammatory skin lesions caused by cold exposure, and historically, some physicians have prescribed the medication **nifedipine** for severe cases. This practice, however, is based on conflicting evidence from older versus more recent studies.