What is Frostbite?

When a person is exposed to extreme cold conditions, the blood flow diminishes to some parts of the body (mainly hands, feet and face). This leads to dehydration and death of the cells. In severe cases, deep-freezing of the tissues occurs with damage to the blood vessels, muscles and nerves.

Frostbite is the freezing of the tissues due to ischaemia caused by the vasospasm. The condition is usually seen in high altitudes. The condition may occur in all ages and both sexes.

The injured area appears cold, white in color and hard to touch. Also, there is loss of sensation in that particular area. There is numbness and burning pain along with stinging and throbbing sensation. Later, after rewarming, the region becomes swollen, red and painful. Even blisters may appear. Also, there may be excessive sweating over the affected area.

Basic cause for frostbite is prolonged exposure to cold. Other causative factors include normal aging and malnutrition. Smoking, alcohol consumption, drug abuse and underlying cerebral dysfunction may aggravate the condition.

On examination, in superficial cases, the tissues appear pale, soft and rubbery. However, in deep frostbite cases, tissues appear woody hard (like bone).

Treatment is symptomatic and depends upon the severity of the condition. In emergency cases, internal warming is done through warm intravenous fluids and heated oxygen. Cautious and rapid rewarming is essential. When tissues are confirmed to be dead, amputation of the affected part may become necessary.

During the treatment, prevention of infection is considered. Also, prevention of damage to other body parts is prevented. Further trauma to the affected part should be avoided. Cleaning the part and applying disinfectants is done. Antibiotics may be prescribed for treating infection.

The affected part heals in 7-10 months without surgical intervention. Though, numbness and blisters may appear. Patient becomes sensitive to cold exposure.

Preventive measures include dressing properly in layers in cold environment and avoiding alcohol.