CHILBLAINS (or KIBE; Erythema pernio), a mild form of frostbite, affecting the fingers or toes and other parts, and causing a painful inflammatory swelling, with redness and itching of the affected part. The chief points in its aetiology are (1) the lesions occur in the extremities of the circulation, and (2) they are usually started by rapid changes from heat to cold or vice versa. The treatment is both general and local. In the general treat ment, if a history of blanching fingers (fingers or hands going "dead") can be obtained, the chilblains may be regarded as mild cases of Raynaud's disease, and these improve markedly under a course of nitrites. Cardiac tonics are often helpful. Most cases improve under treatment with calcium lactate or chloride, 15 grains three times a day. Locally, ichthyol and formalin are of great value in the early congestive stage. Ichthyol, io to 2o% in lanoline spread on linen and worn at night, often dispels an attack at the beginning. Formalin is equally efficacious, but requires more skill in its use. It can be used as an ointment, 10 to 5o%, weaker for delicate skins, stronger for coarser skins. It should be replaced occasionally by lanoline. For broken chilblains a paste made from the following prescription, spread thickly on linen and frequently changed, soon cures :—Hydrarg. ammoniat. gr. v., ichthyol Mx, pulveris zinci oxidi 3iv. vaseline ass. Recently repeated very small doses of ultra-violet radiation have been given locally with beneficial results, but great care must be taken as the affected part reacts very readily to the rays.