Frost Bite

Frost Bite implies the destruction of tissues of the hands and the feet, less frequently, the ears and the tip of the nose, by exposure to extreme cold (usually below freezing point). Any part of the body being wet, strong winds and poor general health predispose to frost-bite. Cold temperatures lead to contraction of the arterioles, later, to dilatation of the capillaries and last of all, to the freezing of the parts. On thawing, necrosis of the frozen tissue and blood vessels occurs; the latter results in thrombosis and gangrene. Frost-bite is uncommon in the south Asiatic countries except in the mountains.

Almost similar to frost-bite, are the effects of Immersion Foot, a condition brought on by immersion of the feet in cold water for long hours as in sea accidents.

Clinical Features and symptoms of Frost Bite

The affected part first appears cold, and bluish-red. Then as freezing sets in, it becomes white and numb. On thawing, it becomes swollen, bluish-red and painful, and may develop bullae or ulceration due to the sloughing of the superficial tissue or frank gangrene of the digits.

Treatment of Frost Bite

1. Gradual warming of the parts-warm room, but no direct heat.

2. Wrapping in sterile cotton wool-no massage.

3. Antibiotics to prevent infection.

4. Anticoagulants like heparin and dicoumarin (Tromexan-P) to prevent vascular thrombosis.

5. Oxygen inhalation and anti-tetanus serum in very severe cases.

6. On recovery, gradual exercises to restore function.

7. Skin grafting or amputation in cases of frank necrosis. Epidural anesthesia is being successfully tried.

Corn and Callus

Bunion

Cracking

Maceration

Acrocyanosis

Livedo reticularis

Frost bite

Solar dermatitis

Xeroderma pigmentosum

Solar eczema

Solar urticaria

Actinic reticuloid