Vitamin D3 is not effective in the treatment of chronic chilblains

Chronic chilblains is a common disease causing major restrictions in daily life, nevertheless little is known about effective treatment. In a literature search, we found thin evidence of three interventions: fluocinolone cream, nifedipine and vitamin D3.

We have conducted a study to assess the effect of oral administration of 2000 IU vitamin D3 per day on patients suffering from chronic chilblains.

The study was based on a self-controlled design. The study population consisted of patients with a confirmed diagnosis. Outcome measurement was the change in severity of the complaints and disability. We checked for interference by temperature and other confounders.

The size of the cohort (n = 33) was a limitation.

After correction for confounding factors, 19% of the subjects reported fewer complaints and 6% fewer disability, in both the placebo and vitamin D3 treatment groups.

Oral administration of 2000 IU vitamin D3 per day is not better than placebo in the treatment of patients with chronic chilblains.