Frostbite - Symptom
Alternative Names
Cold exposure - arms or legs
Symptoms:
The first symptoms are a "pins and needles" sensation followed by numbness. There may be an early throbbing or aching, but later on the affected part becomes insensate (feels like a "block of wood").
Frostbitten skin is hard, pale, cold, and has no feeling. When skin has thawed out, it becomes red and painful (early frostbite). With more severe frostbite, the skin may appear white and numb (tissue has started to freeze).
Very severe frostbite may cause blisters, gangrene (blackened, dead tissue), and damage to deep structures such as tendons, muscles, nerves, and bone.
- Reviewed last on: 2/19/2008
- John E. Duldner, Jr., MD, MS, Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine, Director of Research, Department of Emergency Medicine, Akron General Medical Center and Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
References
Ulrich AS. Hypothermia and localized cold injuries. Emerg Med Clin North Am. 2004; 22(2): 281-98.
Petrone P. Surgical management and strategies in the treatment of hypothermia and cold injury. Emerg Med Clin North Am. 2003; 21(4): 1165-78.
Morton PM. Wilderness survival. Emerg Med Clin North Am. 204; 22(2): 475-509, ix-x.
Marx J. Rosen’s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 6th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2006.
