Everyone Healthy Library
Frostbite
Condition / disease reference page from the Everyone Healthy database.
Connected health information
Explore this condition in a clear order
Linked signs and symptoms
4Each sign/symptom opens its own page and links back to related conditions.
Linked drugs / medications
0No linked drugs are listed yet.
Treatments, therapies and supportive options
20Grouped by treatment type. These are educational database links, not personal treatment recommendations. Evidence labels are shown only where stored in the EH database.
Surgery
2Medical therapy
4Lifestyle changes
11- Active Rewarming (Soaking in 40 to 42 C Water)Strongly in Favour(Moderate Evidence)
- Active Rewarming (Soaking in 40-42 C Water)
- Avoid Rubbing, Massaging, Shaking or Any Physical Force
- Avoid Rubbing, Massaging, Shaking or Any Physical ForceStrongly in Favour(Low Evidence)
- Moist Heat
- Passive Rewarming (Using Body Heat or Room Temperature)Weakly in Favour(Low Evidence)
- Reduce or Stop Smoking
- Reduce or Stop SmokingStrongly in Favour(High Evidence)
- Separate DigitsWeakly in Favour(Low Evidence)
- Seperate Digits
- Supportive Care
Behavioural changes
1Linked diagnostic tests and investigations
0No linked diagnostic tests are listed yet.
Biological and test markers
0This visual map uses existing EH database links to show biological agents and lab markers reported as increased, decreased, or associated with this condition. These are educational relationships only; test results must be interpreted by a qualified clinician because ranges vary by lab, method, age, sex and clinical context.
No biological marker links are listed yet for this condition.
Introduction / full article
Frostbite
Frostbite
This is the term used when parts of the body, including the skin and other tissues, are damaged due to extreme cold. Frostbitten skin is very pale, cold and waxy. Severe or much longer exposure to extreme cold weather can cause the skin to blister and harden. It is very important to gradually warm the frostbitten skin. The first thing that a person with frostbite must do is to prevent further exposure to cold. No matter how itchy the skin is, it must not be rubbed. After the skin is thawed, wrap the skin with a thick cloth or blanket.
Summary Reference
Treatment:
1. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/sec21/ch319/ch319c.html?qt=frostbite&alt=sh#sec21-ch319-ch319c-711
2. Mistovich, Joseph; Brent Haffen, Keith Karren (2004). Prehospital Emergency Care. Upsaddle River, NJ: Pearson Education. p. 504. ISBN 0-13-049288-4.
3. Roche-Nagle G, Murphy D, Collins A, Sheehan S (June 2008). "Frostbite: management options". Eur J Emerg Med 15 (3): 173–5. doi:. PMID 18460961. http://meta.wkhealth.com/pt/pt-core/template-journal/lwwgateway/media/landingpage.htm?an=00063110-200806000-00012. Retrieved 2008-06-30.
4. Mistovich, Joseph; Brent Haffen, Keith Karren (2004). Prehospital Emergency Care. Upsaddle River, NJ: Pearson Education. pp. 506. ISBN 0-13-049288-4.