Forstbite

Definition: Forstbite is the most dangerous condition of freezing. It describes the freezing of superficial tissues of the face, ears, fingers and toes due to exposure to extreme cold.
Frostbite is the medical condition in which localized damage is caused to skin and other tissues due to freezing. Frostbite is most likely to happen in body parts farthest from the heart and those with large exposed areas. The initial stages of frostbite are sometimes called frostnip

Classification

There are several classifications for tissue damage caused by extreme cold including:

Frostnip is a superficial cooling of tissues without cellular destruction.
Chilblains are superficial ulcers of the skin that occur when a predisposed individual is repeatedly exposed to cold
Frostbite involves tissue destruction.

Risk factors

Risk factors for frostbite include using beta-blockers and having conditions such as diabetes and peripheral neuropathy.

Symptoms:

1) Pain.
2) Burning sensation.
3) Numbness.
4) Tingling sensation.
5) Skin turns hard and white.
6) Skin starts to peel or get blisters.
7) Skin start to itch.

Treatment: To help a frostbite victim get the person to a worm, dry placed and remove constrictive clothing. Raise affected areas and apply warm moist compressions to the areas.

Precautions: Do not rub frostbitten areas or apply direct heat.

Prognosis

3 weeks after initial frostbite
A number of long term sequelae can occur after frostbite. These include: transient or permanent changes in sensation, paresthesia, increased sweating, cancers, and bone destruction/arthritis in the area affected.