Frostbite & Other Cold Weather-Related Injuries on MedicineNet.com

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Frostbite, Chilblains, and Trench Foot

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Medical Author: Steven Doerr, MD
Medical Editor: William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

Frostbite Symptoms and Signs

Medical Author: Melissa Conrad St�ppler, MD
Medical Editor: Dennis Lee, MD

Winter is the prime time for cold weather-related injuries like frostbite, chilblains, and trench foot 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...

Top Searched Frostbite Terms:

frostbite treatment, pictures, hypothermia, causes, first aid, trench foot, chilblains, immersion injury

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.

Next: Trench foot (immersion injury) »

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