Frostbite
Alternative names:
cold exposure extremities
Symptoms:
The first symptoms are a "pins and needles" sensation followed
by numbness.
Frostbitten skin is hard, pale,
cold, and has no feeling. When skin has thawed out, it becomes
red and painful (early frostbite). With more severe frostbite,
the skin may appear white and numb (tissue has started to
freeze).
Very severe frostbite may cause blister;
gangrene (blackened tissue that died after blood vessels froze);
or hard, frozen skin (frostbite can penetrate all the way
down to blood vessels and bone).
Update Date: 10/08/99
Updated by: adam.com editorial
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