Frostbite

Frostbite is a cold stress injury caused by freezing of the skin and underlying tissues. Frostbite is most common on the fingers, toes, nose, ears, cheeks, and chin. Skin exposed to cold, windy weather is the most vulnerable to frostbite, but it can even occur on skin covered by gloves or other protective clothing.

As previously discussed, in cold conditions your body decreases blood flow to your extremities and outer skin and shifts it to the internal organs. This allows exposed skin and the extremities to cool rapidly, placing them at greater risk of frostbite.

Frostbite usually occurs from exposure to extremely low temperatures. The lower the temperature, the more quickly frostbite will occur. Frostbite can occur in temperatures above freezing when combined with wind chill and wetness. Frostbite can also occur from contact with extremely cold objects, especially metal, or from contact with cooled or compressed gases, such as liquid nitrogen.

People with poor blood circulation and people who are not dressed for the conditions are most at risk of getting frostbite.

When frostbite occurs, ice crystals form in skin tissue, which can destroy the tissue and cause permanent damage. In severe cases, amputation of the affected areas may be required.

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