Blistering, infection or scarring seldom occurs if frost nip is treated promptly. The skin may feel stiff to touch, but the tissue underneath is still warm and soft. It involves the top layer of skin ( epidermis) and presents as numbed skin that has turned white in colour.
This is also called frost nip and occurs in people who live in very cold climates or do a lot of outdoor activity in winter. Frostbite has been classified under the following categories that relate to the degree of injury. The signs and symptoms of frostbite include coldness, firmness, stinging, burning, numbness, clumsiness, pain, throbbing, excessive sweating, pallor or blue skin discolouration, rotting skin and gangrene. What are the signs and symptoms of frostbite?
Those taking certain drugs that constrict blood vessels, e.g. People with decreased blood flow to the extremities such as those with peripheral vascular disease or diabetes. Soldiers, cold weather rescuers and labourers working in cold environments. Individuals stranded in extreme cold weather conditions. Winter and high-altitude athletes, e.g. This causes further damage to the tissues.Ĭertain groups of people are at greater risk of getting frostbite than others, these include: However, the blood returning to the extremities leaks out through the leaky blood vessels. 
This happens because the body is trying to preserve as much function in the extremities as possible.
Secondly, with continued exposure to the cold, as the extremities get colder and colder, the blood vessels dilate (widen) for a brief period before constricting again. Ice crystals form in the tissues, the blood vessel walls are damaged and the cells start to break down. This occurs so blood can be redirected to the vital organs to keep the body alive and warm. Firstly, blood flow to the skin and extremities is slowed down as blood vessels constrict (narrow). What causes frostbite?Ĭertain processes taking place in the body, in response to exposure to extreme cold, cause frostbite. The condition rarely occurs in fit and healthy individuals in still air temperature above minus 10 degrees Celsius but may do so at higher temperatures in high winds due to the wind chill effect. It occurs when body parts, usually the extremities such as the toes, feet, fingers, ears, nose and cheeks are exposed to extremely cold conditions. Frostbite is a condition where the skin and underlying tissue actually freeze.
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