A 38-year-old member asked:
what sort of disorder is frostbite?
4 doctor answers • 21 doctors weighed in
Dr. David Tuckman answered
Hand Surgery 23 years experience
Cell Death: Frost bite is a condition where the tissue freezes. This causes ice crystals within the cells which ruptures the cells causing death of the tissue. It ranges from very mild to very severe. In severe cases amputation might be required. Initial treatment is rapid rewarming of the involved extremity.
6040 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Bryan McIntosh answered
Plastic Surgery 19 years experience
Ice Burn: Frostbite occurs due to extreme cold temperature such that the skin and possibly deeper tissues freeze, are damaged, and potentially die. If the tissues die, an open wound may be the result or possibly an amputation of the affected part (such as a finger or toe).
6038 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Ralph Morgan Lewis commented
Family Medicine 38 years experience
Remember, frostbite can occur with dry ice (commonly used for misty effects or for cooling perishables sent in the mail) and liquid nitrogen (oxygen, or helium)
Feb 11, 2012
Dr. Bac Nguyen commented
Family Medicine 23 years experience
A "controlled-frostbite" by the use of liquid nitrogen is what we do to treat warts in the office.
Feb 17, 2012
Dr. Otto Placik commented
Plastic Surgery 34 years experience
If thia occurs it is best to have controlled and slow rewarming of the effected body part with luke warm water. Rapid rewarming is not advised.
Mar 6, 2012
Dr. Tito Vasquez answered
Plastic Surgery 25 years experience
Tissue death: Frostbite is a condition that is caused by varying degrees of cold exposure to the body. The injury worsens as circulation of blood and oxygen is hindered to the frozen tissue and tissue death ensues. Once the injury is irreversible, amputation or removal of the dead tissue is necessary.
6032 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Otto Placik answered
Plastic Surgery 34 years experience
Frostbite: Frostbite is a condition in which prolonged exposure to the cold, may produce damage to the tissues and specifically the blood vessels. If this occurs it is best to have controlled and slow rewarming of the effected body part with luke warm water. Rapid rewarming is not advised.
5988 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
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Similar questions
Rosharon, TX
A 19-year-old male asked:
What is a frost bite ?
2 doctor answers • 10 doctors weighed in
Dr. David Miller answered
Family Medicine 10 years experience
Frozen tissues: Put simply, frost bit is when a part of you freezes solid. As the water in the tissues freezes, it causes the tissues to dehydrate. The ice crystals also cause direct damage to the tissues themselves. The treatment is gentle thawing with more aggressive treatment (similar to burn care) for severe cases. In severe cases, the affected parts need to be amputated.
6088 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. David Miller commented
Family Medicine 10 years experience
Provided original answer
You're welcome. Stay warm! :-)
Feb 27, 2012
A 19-year-old member asked:
What are common side effects of frostbite? How can I treat it?
2 doctor answers • 2 doctors weighed in
Dr. Jerome Litt answered
Dermatology 71 years experience
FROSTBITE: Frostbite is the sharp, painful sensations that result from the freezing & thawing of the skin. It is a severe cold injury. The areas of the body most vulnerable to the effects of frostbite are the feet & toes, the tip of the nose, the rims & lobes of the ears, & the tips of the fingers. If you develop frostbite, see your doctor at once. Do not treat it with ice, ice water, or snow.
6068 viewsAnswered Jan 14, 2019
A 36-year-old member asked:
What do you recommend for frostbite?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in
Dr. David Tuckman answered
Hand Surgery 23 years experience
Rewarming: Initial treatment of frostbite includes rapid rewarming of the affected area. This can be achieved with soaks in warm water. I would recommend immediate medical evaluation.
6028 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 25-year-old member asked:
Can frostbite be cured?
2 doctor answers • 2 doctors weighed in
Dr. Mike Bowman answered
ENT and Head and Neck Surgery 19 years experience
Injury to be managed: Frostbite happens when the body part affected gets frozen. Your body has to heal up from the injury. If the frostbite is mild, prognosis is very good. If it is severe, you can sometimes lose the affected body part. Seek medical treatment asap, and educate yourself in frostbite prevention (not enough room here to go into details).
6026 viewsAnswered Jun 1, 2020
A 29-year-old member asked:
Do a lot of people get frostbite?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in
Dr. Mike Bowman answered
ENT and Head and Neck Surgery 19 years experience
Frostbite=freezing: Frostbite is a real risk whenever people spend time outdoors in freezing temperatures. It occurs when tissue of the body freezes. An ounce of prevention is definitely worth a pound of cure... If you are going to be spending time outdoors in severe weather make sure you are dressed appropriately. If you aren't sure, head to your nearest outdoors store and speak with a knowledgable outdoorsman.
6022 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
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