My thighs are burning after exposure to cold weather

[spiff69]

Hi, this is my first post here.

About 3 weeks ago I visited northern Sweden. One evening I went outside to watch the northern light. It was about -20 degrees C (-4 F) cold, but very dry air and calm. Went back inside after about 30-40 minutes.

My thighs where red all over, and maybe a bit swollen, and after a while the skin started to feel like pins and needles. The day after I only had a few patches of red skin left but I had a burning sensation and trouble wearing pants.

Today, I still get the burning sensation, and my skin get itchy when I wear pants. The sensations, vary over time, with burning, prickling mostly on my thighs, especially on the inside. Almost nothing on my lower legs.

I have read about other people had similar symptoms, but they disappeared after maybe a few hours, not weeks. Anyone else with similar experience? Could it be nerve damage, e.g. neuropathy? And if yes, can it heal?

On the other hand I was outside the evening before without any symptoms, and my face did not react to the cold weather. I was warmly dressed, but did not wear long-johns. At first I thought it was dry skin or some inflammation, but the skin now look normal, except for some Livedo and it can get a bit red after applying moisturiser. I have had cold urtikaria before, but it's not like this, and then it disappeared after a few hours.

I am really worried I have some permanent damage, any help really appreciated!

[purple1234567]

It wouldn't hurt to have a doctor take a look at it- it could be a minor case of frostbite, but only a doctor will be able to tell you for sure what is happening after he examines you in person.  Let us know how you are doing!

[spiff69]

Hi, thank you.

I have had two doctors taking a look at my legs. None of them suspects any cold injury, but maybe frostnip. But they just say that we should wait and see .. very frustrating. My symptoms are similar to what is called peripheral neuropathy and paresthesias. Perhaps it is due to Vasculitis, since me legs where red after exposure to the cold. Today my legs looks normal, except Livedo regularis. I have normal feeling in my skin and no numbness or pale skin. I hope to be able to find a neurologist, but the waiting time are months! Anyone now of neurologists online?