Destruction of tissue by freezing.
An injury caused by very severe cold which freezes tissue.
Tissue damage, especially of the fingers, toes, ears, or nose, caused by freezing and generally due to prolonged exposure to very cold weather. The affected parts turn white and become numb. Gentle warming in tepid water, without rubbing, is the appropriate first aid measure. Severe freezing results in the death of the tissues, necessitating amputation of the affected part.
A condition occurring when areas of skin and underlying tissue freeze in cold weather.
Damage to the tissues caused by freezing. The affected parts, usually the nose, fingers, or toes, become pale and numb. Ice forms in the tissues, which may thus be destroyed, and amputation may become necessary. Frostbitten parts should not be rubbed, since there is no blood circulation in the tissues, but they may be gently warmed in tepid water. Precautions must be taken against bacterial infection, to which frostbitten skin is highly susceptible.
This results from the action of extreme cold (below 0 °C) on the skin. Vasoconstriction results in a reduced blood and hence, oxygen supply, leading to necrosis of the skin and, in severe cases, of the underlying tissues. Chiefly affecting exposed parts of the body, such as the face and the limbs, frostbite occurs especially in people exercising at high altitudes, or in those at risk of peripheral vascular disease, such as diabetics. Such people should take particular care of their fingers and toes when in cold environments.
Severe tissue and cell damage caused by freezing a body part. The injury occurs both because intracellular water turns to ice and because extremely cold temperatures damage and block the blood supply to exposed parts. Exposed areas (e.g., ears, cheeks, nose, fingers, and toes) are most often affected.
A condition in which body tissue become frozen.
The act of embellishing a cake with frosting, in such a way that it seems to be covered with a layer of frost, particularly when the frosting is white, as it once typically was, is commonly referred to as frosting a cake.
Frostbite is the result of damage to body tissues due to extremely cold temperatures. It can occur at any temperature below freezing, and the severity of frostbite develops more rapidly at lower temperatures. Windy conditions increase the risk of frostbite.
Frostbite can impact any region of the body, but it most commonly affects the extremities like the nose, ears, fingers, and toes, which are more vulnerable and tend to be affected first. Individuals with impaired circulation, such as those with diabetic vascular disease, are at a higher risk of developing frostbite.
The initial sign of frostbite is a sensation of pins and needles, which is later followed by complete numbness in the affected area. The skin in the affected region may turn white, feel cold, and become hardened. Subsequently, it may transition to a red and swollen appearance.
To treat frostbite, the affected areas should be gently rewarmed through immersion in warm water (ensuring the water is not too hot to touch), followed by applying bandages. Upon warming, mildly affected tissues may become red, swollen, and sore. In more severe cases of frostbite, blisters may form, and the area becomes intensely painful.
When frostbite affects only the skin and the tissues directly beneath it, rewarming can lead to full recovery of the affected tissues. Typically, recovery from frostbite damage takes around six months, but some lasting sensitivity to extreme temperatures is normal. However, in cases of severe frostbite, symptoms like stiffness, pain, and numbness may persist indefinitely.
If frostbite impacts the blood vessels, it can lead to gangrene, which is the death of tissue. In such situations, amputation may be required as a necessary measure.
Frostbite is a type of gangrene that affects the extremities due to severe cold, resulting in reduced blood flow, marked by redness, swelling, and pain. It’s crucial to emphasize that attempting to alleviate frostbite by rubbing the affected area with snow or other friction methods can worsen the damage. The correct approach for treating frostbite is to avoid any contact with the affected area and transfer the person to a sheltered environment, such as a hut or house. There, the frostbitten area should be allowed to thaw gradually, treating it like a potential wound that may become infected.