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Frostbite, Pediatric

Susan Fuchs, MD Reviewed 10/2018
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • Localized injury of epidermis and underlying tissue resulting from exposure to extreme cold or contact with extremely cold objects

  • Distal extremities and unprotected areas (i.e., fing...

DIAGNOSIS

  • Based on a history of cold exposure

  • Assessment of skin perfusion should occur after rewarming. This includes skin color, temperature, sensation, pulses and capillary refill.

  • The classification...

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

  • Check core temperature to rule out hypothermia, which would need to be addressed first.

  • Remove wet clothing.

  • Remove constrictive clothing and jewelry.

  • Rapid rewarming in warm wa...

ONGOING CARE

PROGNOSIS

  • Depends on degree of cold injury

  • Superficial, 1st-degree frostbite heals in a few weeks.

  • Favorable indicators: sensation in affected area, healthy-looking skin color, blisters fill...

ADDITIONAL READING

  • Cauchy E, Davis CB, Pasquier M, et al. A new proposal for management of severe frostbite in the austere environment. Wilderness Environ Med.  2016;27(1):92–99. [View Abstract o...

CODES

ICD9

  • 991.3 Frostbite of other and unspecified sites

  • 991.2 Frostbite of foot

  • 991.1 Frostbite of hand

  • 991 Frostbite of face

ICD10

  • T33.90XA Superficial frostbite of unspecified sites, init encntr

  • T34.90XA...

FAQ

  • Q: Can protective emollients prevent frostbite if used on the face and exposed areas while skiing?

  • A: No. Research has shown that the use of “protective” emollients and creams leads to a false sens...

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