Frostbite

Frostbite, also known as freezing cold injury (FCI) is tissue damage as a result to cold exposure, occurring at temperatures below 0 degrees C. It is included in a spectrum of injury, from FCI to non-FCI and frostnip. Any portion of exposed skin is prone to the damaging effects of frostbite. Patients are at high risk for ischemic tissue injury and necrosis. Patients that survive cold tissue injury are prone to secondary infection and dehydration from loss of the skin barrier.

Frostbite tend to occur when the body is exposed to intense cold, resulting in vasoconstriction. The resulting decrease in blood flow fails to deliver heat to the tissues and eventually leads to ice crystal formation. Body parts most prone to frostbite include the feet, hand, ears, lips, and nose. Most cases of frostbite occur in the winter; homeless people and those who perform outdoors activity are most susceptible to the injury. The goal of treatment is to salvage as much tissue as possible so that maximal function remains.