Whilst frostbite occurs only after exposure to cold sufficient to freeze body tissues, non-freezing cold injury (NFCI) can occur at much less extreme levels of exposure.
Although most commonly described in military personnel, it can develop in anyone who is exposed to cold (typically but non exclusively below 5 deg C) or cold/wet conditions.
Contributory factors may include inadequate protective clothing, outdoor working in cold weather, immobility, prolonged exposure, inadequate food intake, dehydration, alcohol and smoking. People of Afro-Caribbean ethnicity are at higher risk even if born in the UK.
Last updated: 11 November 2011
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