Frostbite
by
Rosalyn Carson-DeWitt, MD DefinitionFrostbite is damage to skin and tissues from prolonged exposure to below-freezing temperatures. Frostbite severity is based on the depth of tissue injury. The most severe frostbite can lead to permanent damage and/or amputation. The most common parts of the body to become frostbitten include your fingers, toes, ears, nose, chin, or cheeks.
CausesExposure to below-freezing temperatures can cause the body tissue to freeze. Ice crystals form within the frozen body part. Blood cannot flow through the frozen tissue. This causes the frozen tissue to be deprived of blood and oxygen. The combination of freezing and oxygen deprivation causes tissue damage or tissue death. Some tissue damage may also happen during warming. Risk FactorsFactors that may increase your chance of frostbite include:
SymptomsEarly stages of frostbite may cause:
Later stages of frostbite may cause:
DiagnosisYou will be asked about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. Diagnosis is usually based on symptoms and the findings of the physical exam. TreatmentRapid rewarming in a warm (98.6 °F [degrees Farenheit (F)] to 102.2 °F / 37 °C [degrees Cesius (C)] to 39 °C) water bath is the treatment of choice. Slow rewarming may cause more tissue damage. If you are stranded with frostbite and unable to get medical help:
MedicationsMedicines used depend on the severity of frostbite. Examples include:
Other TreatmentsOther frostbite treatments may include:
PreventionTo help reduce the chance of frostbite:
RESOURCES:Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians https://familydoctor.org Ortho Info—American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons http://orthoinfo.org CANADIAN RESOURCES:Canadian Dermatology Association https://dermatology.ca Environment and Climate Change Canada http://www.ec.gc.ca References:Frostbite. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at:
https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/winter/staysafe/frostbite.html. Updated December 20, 2016. Accessed August 18, 2017.
Frostbite. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T116549/Frostbite. Updated December 2, 2016. Accessed August 18, 2017.
Frostbite. Kids Health—Nemours Foundation website. Available at: ...(Click grey area to select URL) Updated January 2015. Accessed September August 18, 2017. Last reviewed September 2018 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
Michael Woods, MD, FAAP Last Updated: 7/28/2020 |
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