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Frostbite

by Alike Medical Team ∙ Updated on June 13, 2023

General

Frostbite is an injury to the skin and underlying tissue caused by cold. First, when it's only a frostnip, the damage is not permanent, and is treated by rewarming the area. The second stage is called superficial frostbite, during which the skin already starts to feel warm. In this stage, blisters may appear 12-36 hours after rewarming the area. If it has progressed to deep frostbite, it affects all layers of the skin and tissues below. Large blisters form 24 to 48 hours after rewarming. The tissue turns black and hard as it dies.. It is typically seen on the fingers, toes, nose, ears, cheeks and chin.

1 people with Frostbite

Learn from others who are experiencing Frostbite.

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Signs & symptoms

Symptoms at first may include cold skin and prickling feeling at first, then it may progress to numbness, discoloration of the skin, waxy- looking skin, clumsiness and blistering after rewarming.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is based upon findings from medical history and physical examination. Further evaluation may include x-ray or MRI of the injured tissue.

Treatment

Treatment includes rewarming the area, pain killers, wrapping the area injured, debridement of the damaged tissue, and physical therapy at later stages.

Note

☝ We provide information on prescription and over-the-counter medicines, diagnosis, procedures and lab tests. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

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