Frostbite typically occurs once the body tissues freezes due to prolonged exposure to extremely cold temperature. The toes and fingers are the commonly affected body parts but frostbite can occur in any part of the body. The formation of ice crystals between or within the cell tissue causes death to the cells while the tissues freeze. Once the skin is frozen, it initially appears blistered, white in color and eventually becomes numb. If the affected area is warmed, it causes pain and there is likelihood that gangrene will develop.
What is gangrene?
Mild cases of frostbite can heal without tissue damage, but if the deep tissues are affected, it can result to dry gangrene. Take note that dry gangrene is characterized by the black-colored, firm exterior that covers the healthy tissue. Wet gangrene is less common which is gray-colored, soft and edematous.
The depth and degree of tissue damage is determined by the length and depth of the freezing. Severe cases of frostbite can even lead to necrosis and gangrene. Both can result to the loss of body parts or amputation.
CRPS (complex regional pain syndrome)
This is often a result of frostbite which is best described as a chronic pain condition caused by abrupt changes in the temperature and color of the skin. It is believed to be caused by dysfunction in the central or peripheral nervous system. In this condition, the symptoms that can manifest include swelling, sensitivity and an intense burning sensation.
Neuropathic symptoms
Any stage of frostbite can result to lasting neuropathic symptoms. The condition can cause excessive numbness, sweating, and extreme sensitivity to cold and even faulty growth of the nails.
Based on studies conducted, chemical or surgical sympathectomy can be performed in order to manage the late neuropathic symptoms. Take note that sympathectomy involves locating and cutting the correct part of the sympathetic chain using miniature incisions and severing the part that controls the involuntary responses. Obviously, this procedure disrupts the nerve pathway. As for chemical sympathectomy, it involves injecting a chemical into the sympathetic nerves to minimize the pain and other symptoms experienced by the individual.
Viable tissue
It can take weeks in order to determine which tissues are viable and those that are not. If the first aid care for frostbite is delayed or infection develops especially on the lower extremities, it will worsen the condition and increase the chance for getting an amputation.
Some doctors might prefer to debride the affected areas in order to decrease the chance for infection if the standard modes of treatment are not effective. Skin grafting is another option while some doctors even opt for hyperbaric oxygen therapy to manage frostbite.
In order to handle the lasting symptoms of frostbite, it is best for the individual to take whirlpool baths that is set at 37 degrees Celsius for three times in a day followed by gentle drying off and rest.
Always remember that if frostbite occurs, the individual must be given a high calorie, high protein diet to promote full recovery. Additionally, the individual must not smoke. It is also important to prevent infection from developing as well as maceration. Take note that maceration can occur if the affected areas are constantly wet in which the tissue becomes soft and eventually wear away.