Frostbite

Frostbite: symptoms, phases, treatment and prognosis

Frostbite is thermal tissue damage that is caused by local exposure to low temperatures. It is manifested by necrosis and reactive inflammation of the skin and deep-lying tissues. General cooling (freezing) occurs when the body is exposed to cold for an unusually long time and its temperature drops below 34 ° C. In peacetime, this is a relatively rare phenomenon and is usually associated with accidents such as shipwreck or severe alcohol intoxication. However, During war, general cooling occurs more often, and the wounded are especially susceptible to it.

Symptoms of frostbite include feeling cold and chilly, pale skin, loss of skin elasticity, dryness and roughness (“goose bumps”). At a body temperature of about 35 °C, paleness of the face, cyanosis, pain in the knees, feet, and genitals appear, and gastroenteritis syndrome occurs. Urination is painful, polyuria (cold diuresis). Mood worsens, indifference, apathy, poor coordination of movements, blurred vision, fatigue, drowsiness. Hallucinations (a feeling of being in a warm room) may occur.

There are 4 phases of general cooling. In the first phase, body temperature is not reduced due to peripheral vasoconstriction. In the second phase, the temperature is reduced by 1-2 °C. The skin is pale and cold. The cold feels like pain. Initially, there may be a slight increase in blood pressure and tachycardia, consciousness is clear, there may be slight agitation, and reflexes are alert. In the third phase, body temperature is from 34 to 27 °C. Pain sensitivity decreases until anesthesia occurs, consciousness is confused, reflexes are weakened. Minute breathing volume is reduced. At temperatures up to 30 °C, heart contractions are regular, bradycardia is noted, with a further decrease in temperature, arrhythmia and signs of cardiac decompensation appear. In the fourth phase, at temperatures below 27 ° C, a picture of “imaginary death” appears. Breathing, pulse and blood pressure are barely perceptible. Reflexes are not evoked. When the temperature drops below 24 °C, changes in the body are irreversible and can lead to death.

Treatment for frostbite depends on the severity and phase of the disease. In the first two phases, it is necessary to remove the victim from the cold, warm him and provide him with peace. It is important not to heat the body too quickly to avoid overheating and the reverse effect. In the third and fourth phases, it is necessary to urgently hospitalize the victim and carry out intensive therapy, including warming the body, administering fluids and electrolytes, oxygen, and medications to stimulate cardiac and respiratory activity.

The prognosis of frostbite depends on the severity and phase of the disease. In the case of mild forms of the disease, the prognosis is usually favorable, but in the case of severe forms of the disease, especially with general cooling, the prognosis can be unfavorable and even fatal. It is important to seek medical help at the first symptoms of frostbite to avoid the development of severe forms of the disease and minimize risks to health and life.

Frostbite is damage to body tissue due to a sudden change in temperature below the threshold of sensitivity (0 ° C) to a long-lasting ambient temperature (from 0 to -20 ° C).

Occurs as a result of prolonged exposure to cold on the skin, when tap water freezes in pipes, etc. In modern medicine, the terms “cold injury”, “hypothermic shock”, etc. are also used. The frostbitten area becomes white due to the appearance of lactic acid in the tissues. Victim's face