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Superficial first degree frostbite - frostnip

Very low urgency
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It is damage to deep skin and tissue due to lack of blood supply caused by extreme and/or prolonged cold.

There are environmental factors that exacerbate the effects of cold and the resulting lesions. It is more common in the fingers, toes, nose and ears.

It initially presents with pallor, decreased sensitivity and swelling (chilblain).

The priority is to warm, dry and protect the area to restore circulation and prevent injury.

Bibliographic references

1. Frostbite. Ken Zafren, MD, FAAEM, FACEP, FAWM. C Crawford Mechem, MD, FACEP. UpToDate. Apr 20, 2015.
2. Kroeger K, Janssen S, Niebel W. Frostbite in a mountaineer. Vasa 2004; 33:173.
3. Simon TD, Soep JB, Hollister JR. Pernio in pediatrics. Pediatrics 2005; 116:e472.
4. Castellani JW, Young AJ, Ducharme MB, et al. American College of Sports Medicine position stand: prevention of cold injuries during exercise. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2006; 38:2012.

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Symptoms

    Nail takes more than 2 seconds to regain colour after pressing on it

    Fingers/toes are pale and/or bluish

    Cold skin

    Finger is swollen and reddened

    Paleness

Symptoms to watch out for

Fever (temperature higher than 38 ºC)
Increase in pain and swelling of the affected area
Skin of the area is white or greyish blue
Intense shivering
Talking incoherently, speaking nonsense
Coordination loss

Self-care

Consume over-the-counter pain relievers or anti-inflammatories.
Remove wet or damp clothes.
Warm up the affected area.
Protect the affected area from the cold, wind or dampness.
Avoid bursting the blisters that form.
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