Frostbite is an injury that can happen in a situation of extreme cold. In frostbite, body tissues become frozen, and permanent damage may happen if the affected area is not treated promptly. Amputation of a body part may be needed in the most severe cases. Most commonly, affected body parts include the nose, ears, fingers, toes, cheeks, and chin. Some conditions may lead to an increased risk for frostbite, such as: Reduced blood circulation from conditions, such as peripheral arterial disease (PAD), diabetes, peripheral neuropathy, or Raynaud phenomenon Constricted blood flow to the extremities due to gloves, boots, socks, or other clothing items that are too tight Lack of appropriate clothing to match weather conditions Windy conditions, which cause more rapid cooling of the skin and body Certain medicines like beta
blockers Smoking Alcohol or drug intoxication that results in prolonged exposure to extreme cold The following are the most common symptoms of frostbite:
In most cases, the victim is unaware of frostbite because the frozen tissues are numb. The symptoms of frostbite may look like other medical conditions or problems. Always check with your healthcare provider for a diagnosis. What to do if frostbite happensIf there are symptoms of frostbite, seek medical attention immediately. Frostbite and hypothermia both result when skin is exposed to cold surroundings and body temperature falls. Hypothermia is a more serious medical condition and needs emergency medical assistance. If frostbite happens, protect the victim or yourself with the following recommendations:
Because refreezing of thawed tissue can worsen damage to the tissue, it is very important that thawing of frostbitten tissues not be attempted unless it is certain that refreezing will not happen. Delay thawing frozen tissue until a safe and warm location can be reached. A frostbite condition is most often resolved over a period of weeks or months. Sometimes, however, surgery is later needed to remove the dead tissue. OverviewFrostbite is an injury caused by freezing of the skin and underlying tissues. In the earliest stage of frostbite, known as frostnip, there is no permanent damage to skin. Symptoms include cold skin and a prickling feeling, followed by numbness and inflamed or discolored skin. As frostbite worsens, skin may become hard or waxy-looking. Exposed skin in cold, windy weather is most vulnerable to frostbite, but it can affect skin covered by gloves or other clothing. You may not realize you have frostbite until someone else points it out. You can treat frostnip by rewarming. All other frostbite requires medical attention because it can permanently damage skin, muscle, bone and other tissue. SymptomsSigns and symptoms of frostbite include:
Frostbite is most common on the fingers, toes, nose, ears, cheeks and chin. Because of skin numbness, you may not realize you have frostbite until someone points it out. Changes in the color of the affected area might be difficult to see on brown or Black skin. Frostbite occurs in several stages:
When to see a doctorSeek medical attention for frostbite if you experience:
Seek emergency care for hard, cold, blotchy skin. Also get emergency medical help if you suspect hypothermia, a condition in which the body loses heat faster than it can be produced. Signs and symptoms of hypothermia include:
Wrap the person with hypothermia in warm blankets until help arrives. What you can do in the meantimeWhile you wait for emergency medical help or a doctor's appointment, take appropriate self-care measures, such as:
CausesFrostbite occurs when skin and underlying tissues freeze. The most common cause of frostbite is exposure to cold-weather conditions. But it can also be caused by direct contact with ice, freezing metals or very cold liquids. Specific conditions that lead to frostbite include:
Risk factorsThe following factors increase the risk of frostbite:
ComplicationsComplications of frostbite include:
PreventionFrostbite can be prevented. Here are tips to help you stay safe and warm.
Where on the body is frostbite most common and why?Frostbite is most likely to affect body parts that are farther away from the body core and, therefore, have less blood flow. These include your feet, toes, hands, fingers, nose, and ears. There are three degrees of cold injury: frostnip, superficial frostbite, and deep frostbite.
Does frostbite most often occur in the joints?Frostbite usually affects your extremities (fingers, toes and ears) first. But it's just as easy to get frostbitten on your cheeks and chin. The cold can injure both your skin and the tissues underneath — like muscles, nerves and joints.
Why does frostbite affect the extremities?Frostbite has a prejudice for distal extremities, digits, and those portions of exposed skin with decreased perfusion (nose, ears) and less insulation. As the temperature of exposed skin drops, endothelial cell damage can cause localized edema in the extremity.
What does frostbite affect first?Early stage (frostnip)
Your skin will become cold, numb and white, and you may feel a tingling sensation. This stage of frostbite is known as frostnip, and it often affects people who live or work in cold climates. The extremities, such as the fingers, nose, ears and toes, are most commonly affected.
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