Frostbite

Frostbite occurs when the skin and underlying tissue freeze due to exposure to low temperatures. Anyone who spends long periods of time outdoors in cold weather conditions is at risk of getting frostbite.

Frostbite can affect any part of your body, but the extremities, such as the hands, feet, ears, nose and lips are most likely to be affected.

Types of frostbite

The severity of frostbite, and how quickly it develops, depends on how cold conditions are and the length of exposure.

There are two types of frostbite:

• Superficial frostbite - only the skin and top level of tissue are affected and a full recovery is likely after the skin and tissue has thawed.
• Deep frostbite – if deeper tissue becomes frozen and blood vessels are affected damage from frostbite is more likely to be permanent.

When gangrene (dead tissue) occurs, amputation may be necessary.

Risk groups

Certain groups of people are at greater risk of getting frostbite, these include:

• people who take part in winter and high altitude sports, such mountaineers and skiers,
• anyone stranded in extreme cold weather conditions,
• anyone with a job that means they are outdoors in harsh conditions for a long period of time, such as soliders, sailors, and rescue workers,
• homeless people,
• the very young and very old, as their bodies are less able to regulate body temperature,
• people with conditions that cause blood vessel damage or circulation problems, such as diabetes and Raynaud’s phenomenon, and
• anyone taking drugs that constrict the blood vessels, including beta blockers and nicotine (smoking).

Tissue

Body tissue is made up of groups of cells that perform a specific job, such as protecting the body against infection, producing movement or storing fat.

Rupture

A rupture is a break or tear in an organ or tissue.

Arteries

Arteries are blood vessels that carry blood from the heart to the rest of the body.

Blood vessels

Blood vessels are the tubes in which blood travels to and from parts of the body. The three main types of blood vessels are veins, arteries and capillaries.

Oxygen

Oxygen is an odourless, colourless gas that makes up about 20% of the air we breathe.

Blood

Blood supplies oxygen to the body and removes carbon dioxide. It is pumped around the body by the heart.