Chapter 12: Skin Problems Caused by the Environment
Cold-Induced Conditions: Frostbite
Frostbites result from exposure to sub-freezing temperatures can lead to cell death. It mainly involves acral areas including the fingers, toes, ears and the nasal tip. Drug and alcohol use may predispose to developing frostbite as they may decrease sensation of affected areas and lower heat-seeking behavior.
The severity of frostbites is classified like burns:
- first-degree frostbite is called frost nip and resolves completely with no scarring;
- second-degree causes blistering and neurological sequelae may persist;
- third-degree and fourth-degree carry poor prognosis.
Gentle rewarming with warm water is the intervention of choice for frostbite, but should not be carried out until the skin can be maintained warm to prevent worse damage from freeze-thaw cycle. Wound care management and pain control are other aspects of management for frostbite.
