Cold Injuries Overview

Cold Injuries

• Two main categories: Nonfreezing Cold Injuries and Freezing Injuries.

Freezing Injuries

• Commonly affected body parts include:
  • Fingertips
  • Toes
  • Earlobes
  • Cheeks
  • Chin
  • Tip of the nose

Nonfreezing Cold Injuries

• Types include:
  • Chilblains (Pernio): Swelling and redness from cold exposure.
  • Cold Urticaria: Allergic reaction to cold that causes hives.

Factors Influencing Cold Injuries

• Age: Vulnerability increases with age, particularly in extreme conditions.
• Physical Condition: Overall health impacts susceptibility to cold injuries.
• Nutrition & Hydration: Adequate nutrition and hydration support body’s resilience to cold.
• Environmental Condition: Wind, humidity, and temperature can exacerbate cold injury risks.

Body Surface Area Percentage (Adults vs. Pediatrics)

• Adults:

  • Each Arm (including hand): 9%
  • Anterior trunk: 18%
  • Genitalia: 1%
  • Head and neck: 9%
  • Each Leg (including feet): 18%
  • Posterior trunk: 18%

• Pediatrics:

  • Each Arm (including hand): 9%
  • Anterior trunk: 18%
  • Head and neck: 18%
  • Each Leg (including feet): 14%
  • Posterior trunk: 18%

Implications for Medical Care

• Knowledge of injury types and affected body parts is crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment.
• Recognizing age-related vulnerability allows for targeted prevention measures.

Test your knowledge on cold injuries, focusing on the differences between freezing and nonfreezing cold injuries. This quiz will cover common body parts affected, factors influencing susceptibility, and the impact of age, nutrition, and environmental conditions. Perfect for students learning about medical emergencies and physiology.