by Dr. Adam Seigers, Medical Health Contributor
Frostbite is a medical condition which results in damage to the skin and surrounding tissues as a consequence of exposure to temperatures below 32 degrees. It is most likely to occur in exposed areas, like ears and fingers.
As a rule, frostbite usually begins as frostnip, a cooling of superficial tissues without actual destruction.
This occurs because the body preferentially constricts blood vessels in the hands, and feet to preserve a normal core body temperature.
In the short term this protective strategy is helpful, though in the long term can be detrimental to tissues far from the heart.
Frostbite is classified into four stages or degrees.
These range from itching and pain to deep freezing involving the muscles, tendons, blood vessels and nerves.
Risk factors include any condition which damages the peripheral blood vessels.
These include medications such as beta blocker, and conditions like diabetes and peripheral neuropathy.
Tight clothing, boots, fatigue, smoking, or alcohol use can also contribute.
Covering exposed skin in cold conditions is an obvious preventative measure.
Less obvious is the proper layering of moisture wicking synthetic clothing along the body’s trunk.
Appropriate clothing on the body’s trunk results in less vasoconstriction in areas far from the heart and lower likelihood of frostbite.
If frostbite does occur, avoid applying the extremes of temperature to the affected area.
If far from the indoors, avoid rewarming as repetitive freeze thaw cycles can cause excessive damage to surrounding tissue.
Avoid moving frozen tissue and consider splinting the area if possible until it can be rewarmed.
When rewarming a frozen area, simply moving to a warmer area is usually sufficient.
Avoid extreme heat, hot water, rubbing, massaging, or shaking the area.
With relatively mild frostbite, the outcome is usually good. In severe cases, surgery may be needed.
For more information, please contact your primary care provider.
Dr. Seigers is a physician with Faxton St. Luke’s Adirondack Community Physicians (ACP) Boonville Medical Offices on Rte. 12.
