Frostbite, Chilblains, and Trench Foot
Medical Author: Steven Doerr, MD
Medical Editor: William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR
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Frostbite Symptoms and Signs
Medical Author: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD
Medical Editor: Dennis Lee, MD
 Frostbite
is an injury resulting from freezing of the
tissues in the body. The hands and feet are most commonly affected by frostbite,
but the nose,
cheeks, shins, ears, and even the corneas of the eyes may be affected by
frostbite.
Frostbite typically occurs in soldiers or others who work outdoors, or in
outdoor winter sports enthusiasts. People who become stranded outdoors can also
become victims of frostbite. Nicotine and other
drugs that reduce blood circulation to the extremities (called vasoconstrictive drugs) can increase a
person's chances of developing frostbite. There is no official reporting system
for frostbite cases in the U.S., but it is known to affect predominantly
residents of the northern states, including Alaska. Research has shown that
African American men and women are slightly more prone to develop frostbite than
Caucasians. Other people who may be more predisposed to frostbite are those of
Arabic descent and those who reside in warm climates. Men develop frostbite more
often than women, but this may reflect a greater participation in sports and
outdoor activities.
The areas of the body affected by frostbite feel cold
and firm. Burning, tingling, stinging, or numbing sensations may be present...
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Introduction
Winter cold and snow provide a number of opportunities to get outside and participate in activities such as skiing, sledding, and snowmobiling. However, without proper protection, cold weather-related injuries can occur even when temperatures are above freezing (32 F, 0 C). This is especially true if there are high winds or if clothing is wet. In general, however, it is both the temperature and the duration of exposure that play a role in determining the extent and severity of cold weather-related injuries. The information below describes the different types of cold weather-related injuries, as well as what to do to prevent and treat them prior to reaching a healthcare provider.
What type of injuries can be caused by cold
weather?
Cold weather-related injuries can be divided into two general categories. These are those that occur without the freezing of body tissue (chilblains and trench foot) and those that occur with the freezing of body tissue (frostbite).
Cold weather-related injuries without tissue freezing
Chilblains
Chilblains is a common type of cold weather-related injury that can develop several hours after exposure to extreme cold. Chilblains are
itchy, painful, reddish, or purplish areas of swelling that usually affect the fingers, toes, nose or ears; though other areas of the body may also be involved. In some individuals, blisters or small open sores may also form. Chilblains usually last for several days, and the affected area usually heals after several weeks. Though the affected area may remain sensitive to the cold in the future, there is usually no permanent damage. It is not uncommon for a recurrence of chilblains in susceptible individuals.
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Frostbite
Raynaud's Phenomenon »
What is Raynaud's phenomenon?
Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) is a condition resulting in a particular series of discolorations of the fingers and/or the toes after exposure to changes in temperature (cold or hot) or emotional events.
Skin discoloration occurs because an abnormal spasm of the blood vessels causes
a diminished blood supply to the local tissues. Initially, the digit(s) involved turn white
because of the diminished blood supply. The digit(s) then turn blue because of
prolonged lack of oxygen. Finally, the blood vessels reopen, causing a
local "flushing" phenomenon, which turns the digit(s) red. This three-phase color sequence
(white to blue to red), most often upon exposure to cold temperature, is characteristic of RP.
Raynaud's phenomenon most frequently affects women,
especially in the second, third, or fourth decades of life. People can have
Raynaud's phenomenon alone or as a part of other rheumatic diseases. When it
occurs al...
Read the Raynaud's Phenomenon article »
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