Frostbite
Template:Short description Template:About Template:Infobox medical condition (new) Frostbite is a skin injury that occurs when someone is exposed to extremely low temperatures, causing the freezing of the skin or other tissues,<ref name=Han2017/> commonly affecting the fingers, toes, nose, ears, cheeks and chin areas.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Most often, frostbite occurs in the hands and feet.<ref name="Handford 7">Template:Cite journal</ref><ref>Template:Cite journal</ref> The initial symptoms are typically a feeling of cold and tingling or numbing.<ref name=Han2017/> This may be followed by clumsiness with a white or bluish color to the skin.<ref name=Han2017/> Swelling or blistering may occur following treatment.<ref name=Han2017/> Complications may include hypothermia or compartment syndrome.<ref name=Mc2014/><ref name=Han2017/>
People who are exposed to low temperatures for prolonged periods, such as winter sports enthusiasts, military personnel, and homeless individuals, are at greatest risk.<ref name="Handford 7"/><ref name=Han2017/> Other risk factors include drinking alcohol, smoking, mental health problems, certain medications, and prior injuries due to cold.<ref name=Han2017>Template:Cite journal</ref> The underlying mechanism involves injury from ice crystals and blood clots in small blood vessels following thawing.<ref name=Han2017/> Diagnosis is based on symptoms.<ref name=Sin2014>Template:Cite book</ref> Severity may be divided into superficial (1st and 2nd degree) or deep (3rd and 4th degree).<ref name=Mc2014/> A bone scan or MRI may help in determining the extent of injury.<ref name=Han2017/>
Prevention consists of wearing proper, fully-covering clothing, avoiding low temperatures and wind, maintaining hydration and nutrition, and sufficient physical activity to maintain core temperature without exhaustion.<ref name=Mc2014/> Treatment is by rewarming, by immersion in warm water (near body temperature) or by body contact, and should be done only when consistent temperature can be maintained so that refreezing is not a risk.<ref name=Mc2014/><ref name=Han2017/> Rapid heating or cooling should be avoided since it could potentially cause burning or heart stress.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Rubbing or applying force to the affected areas should be avoided as it may cause further damage such as abrasions.<ref name=Mc2014/> The use of ibuprofen and tetanus toxoid is recommended for pain relief or to reduce swelling or inflammation.<ref name=Han2017/> For severe injuries, iloprost or thrombolytics may be used.<ref name=Han2017/> Surgery, including amputation, is sometimes necessary.<ref name=Han2017/><ref name=Mc2014>Template:Cite journal</ref>
Evidence of frostbite occurring in people dates back 5,000 years.<ref name="Han2017" /> Evidence was documented in a pre-Columbian mummy discovered in the Andes.<ref name="Handford 7"/> The number of cases of frostbite is unknown.<ref name=Au2011>Template:Cite book</ref> Rates may be as high as 40% a year among those who mountaineer.<ref name=Han2017/> The most common age group affected is those 30 to 50 years old.<ref name="Fer2018">Template:Cite book</ref> Frostbite has also played an important role in a number of military conflicts.<ref name=Han2017/> The first formal description of the condition was in 1813 by Dominique Jean Larrey, a physician in Napoleon's army, during its invasion of Russia.<ref name=Han2017/>
Signs and symptomsEdit
Areas that are usually affected include cheeks, ears, nose and fingers and toes. Frostbite is often preceded by frostnip.<ref name=Mc2014/> The symptoms of frostbite progress with prolonged exposure to cold. Historically, frostbite has been classified by degrees according to skin and sensation changes, similar to burn classifications. However, the degrees do not correspond to the amount of long term damage.<ref name=":2">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> A simplification of this system of classification is superficial (first or second degree) or deep injury (third or fourth degree).<ref name=Zaf2012 />
First degreeEdit
- First degree frostbite is superficial, surface skin damage that is usually not permanent.
- Early on, the primary symptom is loss of feeling in the skin. In the affected areas, the skin is numb, and possibly swollen, with a reddened border.
- In the weeks after injury, the skin's surface may slough off.<ref name=":2" />
Second degreeEdit
- In second degree frostbite, the skin develops clear blisters early on, and the skin's surface hardens.
- In the weeks after injury, this hardened, blistered skin dries, blackens, and peels.
- At this stage, lasting cold sensitivity and numbness can develop.<ref name=":2" />
Third degreeEdit
- In third degree frostbite, the layers of tissue below the skin freeze.
- Symptoms include blood blisters and "blue-grey discoloration of the skin".<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref>
- In the weeks after injury, pain persists and a blackened crust (eschar) develops.
- There can be longterm ulceration and damage to growth plates.
Fourth degreeEdit
- In fourth degree frostbite, structures below the skin are involved like muscles, tendon, and bone.
- Early symptoms include a colorless appearance of the skin, a hard texture, and painless rewarming.
- Later, the skin becomes black and mummified. The amount of permanent damage can take one month or more to determine. Autoamputation can occur after two months.<ref name=":2" />File:Frostbite dorsal surface feet.jpgFourth degree frostbite in a homeless patient five days after freezing conditions. Patient developed trench foot and was unable to properly dry feet.File:Frostbite palmar surface feet.jpgPlantar surface of frostbitten feet five days after a freeze. Patient was homeless with poor footwear.
CausesEdit
Risk factorsEdit
The major risk factor for frostbite is exposure to cold through geography, occupation and/or recreation. Inadequate clothing and shelter are major risk factors. Frostbite is more likely when the body's ability to produce or retain heat is impaired. Physical, behavioral, and environmental factors can all contribute to the development of frostbite. Immobility and physical stress (such as malnutrition or dehydration) are also risk factors.<ref name="Handford 7"/> Disorders and substances that impair circulation contribute, including diabetes, Raynaud's phenomenon, tobacco and alcohol use.<ref name=Zaf2012 /> Homeless individuals and individuals with some mental illnesses may be at higher risk.<ref name="Handford 7"/>
MechanismEdit
FreezingEdit
In frostbite, cooling of the body causes narrowing of the blood vessels (vasoconstriction). Prolonged exposure to temperatures below Template:Convert may cause ice crystals to form in the tissues, and prolonged exposure to temperatures below Template:Convert may cause ice crystals to form in the blood.<ref name="knap">Template:Cite journal</ref> Ice crystals can damage small blood vessels at the site of injury.<ref name=Zaf2012>Template:Cite journal</ref> Typically, prolonged exposure to temperatures below Template:Convert may cause frostbite.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
RewarmingEdit
Rewarming causes tissue damage through reperfusion injury, which involves vasodilation, swelling (edema), and poor blood flow (stasis). Platelet aggregation is another possible mechanism of injury. Blisters and spasm of blood vessels (vasospasm) can develop after rewarming.<ref name=Zaf2012 />
Non-freezing cold injuryEdit
The process of frostbite differs from the process of Non-freezing cold injury (NFCI). In NFCI, temperature in the tissue decreases gradually. This slower temperature decrease allows the body to try to compensate through alternating cycles of closing and opening blood vessels (vasoconstriction and vasodilation). If this process continues, inflammatory mast cells act in the area. Small clots (microthrombi) form and can cut off blood to the affected area (known as ischemia) and damage nerve fibers. Rewarming causes a series of inflammatory chemicals such as prostaglandins to increase localized clotting.<ref name=":0">Template:Cite journal</ref>
PathophysiologyEdit
The pathological mechanism by which frostbite causes body tissue injury can be characterized by four stages: Prefreeze, freeze-thaw, vascular stasis, and the late ischemic stage.<ref name = "WildernessMedical">Template:Cite journal</ref>
- Prefreeze phase: involves the cooling of tissues without ice crystal formation.<ref name="WildernessMedical" />
- Freeze-thaw phase: ice-crystals form, resulting in cellular damage and death.<ref name="WildernessMedical" />
- Vascular stasis phase: marked by blood coagulation or the leaking of blood out of the vessels.<ref name="WildernessMedical" />
- Late ischemic phase: characterized by inflammatory events, ischemia and tissue death.<ref name="WildernessMedical" />
DiagnosisEdit
Frostbite is diagnosed based on signs and symptoms as described above, and by patient history. Other conditions that can have a similar appearance or occur at the same time include:
- Frostnip is similar to frostbite, but without ice crystal formation in the skin. Whitening of the skin and numbness reverse quickly after rewarming.
- Trench foot is damage to nerves and blood vessels that results from exposure to cold wet (non-freezing) conditions.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref> This is reversible if treated early.
- Pernio or chilblains are inflammation of the skin from exposure to wet, cold (non-freezing) conditions. They can appear as various types of ulcers and blisters.<ref name=":2" />
- Bullous pemphigoid is a condition that causes itchy blisters over the body that can mimic frostbite.<ref name=":4">Template:Cite news</ref> It does not require exposure to cold to develop.
- Levamisole toxicity is a vasculitis that can appear similar to frostbite.<ref name=":4" /> It is caused by contamination of cocaine by levamisole. Skin lesions can look similar those of frostbite, but do not require cold exposure to occur.
People who have hypothermia often have frostbite as well.<ref name=":2" /> Since hypothermia is life-threatening this should be treated first. Technetium-99 or MR scans are not required for diagnosis, but might be useful for prognostic purposes.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
PreventionEdit
The Wilderness Medical Society recommends covering the skin and scalp, taking in adequate nutrition, avoiding constrictive footwear and clothing, and remaining active without causing exhaustion. Supplemental oxygen might also be of use at high elevations. Repeated exposure to cold water makes people more susceptible to frostbite.<ref name="pmid26857732">Template:Cite journal</ref> Additional measures to prevent frostbite include:<ref name=Mc2014 />
- Avoiding temperatures below −23 °C (-9 °F)
- Avoiding moisture, including in the form of sweat and/or skin emollients
- Avoiding alcohol and drugs that impair circulation or natural protective responses
- Layering clothing
- Using chemical or electric warming devices
- Recognizing early signs of frostnip and frostbite<ref name=Mc2014 />
TreatmentEdit
Individuals with frostbite or potential frostbite should go to a protected environment and get warm fluids. If there is no risk of re-freezing, the extremity can be exposed and warmed in the underarm of a companion or the groin. If the area is allowed to refreeze, there can be worse tissue damage. If the area cannot be reliably kept warm, the person should be brought to a medical facility without rewarming the area. Rubbing the affected area can also increase tissue damage. Aspirin and ibuprofen can be given in the field<ref name="Handford 7"/> to prevent clotting and inflammation. Ibuprofen is often preferred to aspirin because aspirin may block a subset of prostaglandins that are important in injury repair.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref>
The first priority in people with frostbite should be to assess for hypothermia and other life-threatening complications of cold exposure. Before treating frostbite, the core temperature should be raised above 35 °C. Oral or intravenous (IV) fluids should be given.<ref name="Handford 7"/>
Other considerations for standard hospital management include:
- wound care: blisters can be drained by needle aspiration, unless they are bloody (hemorrhagic). Aloe vera gel can be applied before breathable, protective dressings or bandages are put on.
- antibiotics: if there is trauma, skin infection (cellulitis) or severe injury
- tetanus toxoid: should be administered according to local guidelines. Uncomplicated frostbite wounds are not known to encourage tetanus.
- pain control: NSAIDs or opioids are recommended during the painful rewarming process.
RewarmingEdit
If the area is still partially or fully frozen, it should be rewarmed in the hospital with a warm bath with povidone iodine or chlorhexidine antiseptic.<ref name="Handford 7"/> Active rewarming seeks to warm the injured tissue as quickly as possible without burning. The faster tissue is thawed, the less tissue damage occurs.<ref name="mistovich506">Template:Cite book</ref> According to Handford and colleagues, "The Wilderness Medical Society and State of Alaska Cold Injury Guidelines recommend a temperature of 37–39 °C, which decreases the pain experienced by the patient whilst only slightly slowing rewarming time." Warming takes 15 minutes to 1 hour. The faucet should be left running so the water can circulate.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Rewarming can be very painful, so pain management is important.<ref name="Handford 7"/>
MedicationsEdit
People with potential for large amputations and who present within 24 hours of injury can be given TPA with heparin.<ref name=Han2017/> These medications should be withheld if there are any contraindications. Bone scans or CT angiography can be done to assess damage.<ref name=":6">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Blood vessel dilating medications such as iloprost may prevent blood vessel blockage.<ref name="Handford 7"/> This treatment might be appropriate in grades 2–4 frostbite, when people get treatment within 48 hours.<ref name=":6" /> In addition to vasodilators, sympatholytic drugs can be used to counteract the detrimental peripheral vasoconstriction that occurs during frostbite.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref>
A systematic review and metaanalysis revealed that iloprost alone or iloprost plus recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA) may decrease amputation rate in case of severe frostbite in comparison to buflomedil alone with no major adverse events reported from iloprost or iloprost plus rtPA in the included studies.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref>
SurgeryEdit
Various types of surgery might be indicated in frostbite injury, depending on the type and extent of damage. Debridement or amputation of necrotic tissue is usually delayed unless there is gangrene or systemic infection (sepsis).<ref name="Handford 7"/> This has led to the adage "Frozen in January, amputate in July".<ref name=2008rev>Template:Cite journal</ref> If symptoms of compartment syndrome develop, fasciotomy can be done to attempt to preserve blood flow.<ref name="Handford 7"/>
PrognosisEdit
Tissue loss and autoamputation are potential consequences of frostbite. Permanent nerve damage including loss of feeling can occur. It can take several weeks to know what parts of the tissue will survive.<ref name=Zaf2012 /> Time of exposure to cold is more predictive of lasting injury than temperature the individual was exposed to. The classification system of grades, based on the tissue response to initial rewarming and other factors is designed to predict degree of longterm recovery.<ref name="Handford 7"/>
GradesEdit
Grade 1: if there is no initial lesion on the area, no amputation or lasting effects are expected
Grade 2: if there is a lesion on the distal body part, tissue and fingernails can be destroyed
Grade 3: if there is a lesion on the intermediate or near body part, auto-amputation and loss of function can occur
Grade 4: if there is a lesion very near the body (such as the carpals of the hand), the limb can be lost. Sepsis and/or other systemic problems are expected.<ref name="Handford 7"/>
A number of long term sequelae can occur after frostbite. These include transient or permanent changes in sensation, paresthesia, increased sweating, cancers, and bone destruction/arthritis in the area affected.<ref name=marx1866>Template:Cite book</ref>
EpidemiologyEdit
There is a lack of comprehensive statistics about the epidemiology of frostbite. In the United States, frostbite is more common in northern states. In Finland, annual incidence was 2.5 per 100,000 among civilians, compared with 3.2 per 100,000 in Montreal. Research suggests that men aged 30–49 are at highest risk, possibly due to occupational or recreational exposures to cold.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
HistoryEdit
Frostbite has been described in military history for millennia. The Greeks encountered and discussed the problem of frostbite as early as 400 BC.<ref name=Zaf2012 /> Researchers have found evidence of frostbite in humans dating back 5,000 years, in an Andean mummy. Napoleon's Army was the first documented instance of mass cold injury in the early 1800s.<ref name="Handford 7"/> According to Zafren, nearly 1 million combatants fell victim to frostbite in the First and Second World Wars, and the Korean War.<ref name=Zaf2012 />
Society and cultureEdit
Several notable cases of frostbite include:
- Captain Lawrence Oates, an English army captain and Antarctic explorer who in 1912 died of complications of frostbite<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref>
- Harold Bride, the junior wireless operator of Template:RMS, who suffered severe frostbite on his feet as he and other survivors stood for over an hour on the back of a capsized lifeboat knee-deep in freezing water—Bride had to be carried off from the rescue vessel Template:RMS after it arrived in New York
- Noted American rock climber Hugh Herr, who in 1982 lost both legs below the knee to frostbite after being stranded on Mount Washington (New Hampshire) in a blizzard<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
- Beck Weathers, a survivor of the 1996 Mount Everest disaster who lost his nose and hands to frostbite<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
- Scottish mountaineer Jamie Andrew, who in 1999 had all four limbs amputated due to sepsis from frostbite sustained after becoming trapped for four nights whilst climbing Les Droites in the Mont Blanc massif<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Research directionsEdit
Evidence is insufficient to determine whether or not hyperbaric oxygen therapy as an adjunctive treatment can assist in tissue salvage.<ref>Template:Harvnb</ref> Cases have been reported, but no randomized control trial has been performed on humans.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref><ref>Template:Cite journal</ref><ref>Template:Cite journal</ref><ref>Template:Cite journal</ref><ref>Template:Cite journal</ref>
Medical sympathectomy using intravenous reserpine has also been attempted with limited success.<ref name=marx1866 /> Studies have suggested that administration of tissue plasminogen activator (tPa) either intravenously or intra-arterially may decrease the likelihood of eventual need for amputation.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref>
ReferencesEdit
External linksEdit
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