Frostbite Facts

Localized Injury and Environmental Extremes

• Localized injury less often occurs in areas of the body with a rich blood supply, such as the torso and head.
• In contrast, localized injury often occurs in areas exposed to environmental extremes, such as the ears, nose, fingers, and toes.

Frostbite and Localized Injury

• Localized injury often occurs as a result of environmentally induced freezing of body tissues, particularly in areas exposed to cold temperatures.
• The skin, muscles, and blood vessels can be affected by environmentally induced freezing, resulting in localized injury.

Electrolyte Imbalance and Frostbite

• The primary cause of electrolyte concentration reaching toxic levels in cells during frostbite is the influx of water into the cells, causing cell swelling and rupture.

Ischemia and Frostbite

• Ischemia often produces a condition known as "thalamic shock" in the context of frostbite, leading to a range of systemic complications.

Ice Crystals and Tissue Damage

• The consequence of ice crystals expanding in tissue during frostbite is mechanical damage to the cells and tissues, leading to cellular death and tissue destruction.