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. Show Some conditions may lead to an increased risk for frostbite, such as:
What are the symptoms of frostbite?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. The symptoms of frostbite progress in 3 stages. The colder the temperature and the longer the body is exposed to freezing conditions, the more advanced frostbite can become. Early stage (frostnip)During the early stage of frostbite, you'll experience pins and needles, throbbing or aching in the affected area. 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. Intermediate stageAfter these early signs of frostbite, prolonged exposure to cold temperatures will cause more tissue damage. The affected area will feel hard and frozen.  Credit: Danita Delimont / Alamy Stock Photo https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-antarctica-antarctic-peninsula-frostbite-victim-21308117.html?pv=1&stamp=2&imageid=393C255B-E948-427A-9BF0-AE16A341EE4E&p=68301&n=0&orientation=0&pn=1&searchtype=0&IsFromSearch=1&srch=foo%3dbar%26st%3d0%26pn%3d1%26ps%3d100%26sortby%3d2%26resultview%3dsortbyPopular%26npgs%3d0%26qt%3dB6JJM5%26qt_raw%3dB6JJM5%26lic%3d3%26mr%3d0%26pr%3d0%26ot%3d0%26creative%3d%26ag%3d0%26hc%3d0%26pc%3d%26blackwhite%3d%26cutout%3d%26tbar%3d1%26et%3d0x000000000000000000000%26vp%3d0%26loc%3d0%26imgt%3d0%26dtfr%3d%26dtto%3d%26size%3d0xFF%26archive%3d1%26groupid%3d%26pseudoid%3d144292%26a%3d%26cdid%3d%26cdsrt%3d%26name%3d%26qn%3d%26apalib%3d%26apalic%3d%26lightbox%3d%26gname%3d%26gtype%3d%26xstx%3d0%26simid%3d%26saveQry%3d%26editorial%3d1%26nu%3d%26t%3d%26edoptin%3d%26customgeoip%3d%26cap%3d1%26cbstore%3d1%26vd%3d0%26lb%3d%26fi%3d2%26edrf%3d0%26ispremium%3d1%26flip%3d0%26pl%3d When you're out of the cold and the tissue has thawed out, the skin will turn red and blister, which can be painful. There may also be swelling and itching. This is known as superficial frostbite, as it affects the top layers of skin and tissue. The skin underneath the blisters is usually still intact, but treatment is needed to make sure there's no lasting damage. Advanced stageWhen exposure to the cold continues, frostbite gets increasingly severe. The skin becomes white, blue or blotchy, and the tissue underneath feels hard and cold to touch. There may be further damage beneath the skin to tendons, muscles, nerves and bones. This is known as deep frostbite and requires urgent medical attention. As the skin thaws, blood-filled blisters form and turn into thick black scabs. At this stage, it's likely that some tissue will die. This is known as tissue necrosis, and the affected tissue may have to be removed to prevent infection. What are the 4 stages of frostbite?First-degree: Irritates the skin and pain. Second-degree: Blisters but has no major damage. Third-degree: Involves all layers of the skin and causes permanent tissue damage. Fourth-degree: Occurs when the bone and tendon freeze.
What is the difference between Frostnip and superficial frostbite?Frostnip (2) is mild frostbite that irritates the skin, causing a change in skin color and a cold feeling followed by numbness. Frostnip doesn't permanently damage the skin and can be treated with first-aid measures. With superficial frostbite (3), the skin feels warm.
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