Pharmacy Clinical Pearl of the Day: Frostbite

Clinical Pearl of the Day: Frostbite

Frostbite is an injury caused by freezing of the skin and underlying tissues.

Insight:

• In the earliest stage of frostbite, known as frostnip, there is no permanent damage to skin.
• Symptoms include cold skin and a prickling feeling, followed by numbness and inflamed or discolored skin. As frostbite worsens, skin may become hard or waxy-looking.
• Frostbite occurs in few stages: Frostnip, superficial frostbite, and deep frostbite.
• Causes may include staying in cold for too long and wearing clothes that are not appropriate.
• Risk factors include alcohol use, smoking, fear, panic, previous frostbite history, and being an infant.
• Diagnosis includes skin evaluation and assessment by the health care professional.
• Treatment includes rewarming the skin, oral pain medication, removing the damaged skin, infection-fighting drugs, clot-busting drugs, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and wound care.

Sources:

• Frostbite - Diagnosis and treatment - Mayo Clinic
• frostbite image - Google Search