Frostbite Lab Report

1650 Words4 Pages

Introduction

Frostbite is a form of skin damage that comes as a result of prolonged exposure to the cold and/or extreme cold winds. Frostbite generally occurs in the extremities with the hands and feet accounting for 90% of frostbite injuries and the nose, cheeks, ears and lips accounting for the other 10% [8]. Frostbite initiates once the skin reaches 0oC [4] so those in sub 0 environments are most at risk. Susceptibility to frostbite increases in people without optimal circulation such as those with diabetes, autoimmune vascular disorders or atherosclerosis obliterans [6]. The elderly and very young are also at greater risk of frostbite because their bodies do not regulate temperature as effectively and have higher surface area–to-body–mass …show more content…

The body can inhibit this blood flow to only 0.5-1.0 cc/min/100 cc in full constriction, which in comparison to the normal 80-90 cc/min/100 cc during full dilation is a major decline [9]. The decrease in blood flow causes the extremities to become colder and colder which induces a condition called Hunter’s Response, this causes the blood vessels to switch between dilating for a period of time and then constricting. The body does this so that it can preserve as much function in the extremities as possible whilst still maintaining a healthy temperature in the centre of the body. However, the brain senses this as the body undergoing hyperthermia and then constricts blood vessels permanently to insure cold blood isn’t being returned to internal organs [2]. When the body restricts blood flow to the extremities they’re no longer receiving the warmth that regular blood flow provides, this causes the tissue to drop below 0oC. Skin that becomes this cold undergoes four phases resulting in frostbite. First to occur is the pre-freeze phase where the cold results in the blood becoming more viscous, blood vessels constrict and causes leakage of endothelial plasma. Secondly the freeze phase, this is when ice crystals form in the extracellular spaces of the …show more content…

Tests for assessment of blood circulation will also be administered [1]. For any tissue areas that have been damaged beyond repair the doctor will wait 1-3 months before undergoing debridement surgery to remove the dead skin, this is because the body needs that time for the region to blacken in order for the surgeon to get an idea of how extensive the damage is and work out how much needs to be removed [4]. Debridement surgery removes all dead tissues in an affected area, this is the most common form of surgery when it comes to frostbite however, in some cases amputation may be required [7]. Despite the best medical care on offer patients will still have long term damage to areas that have been affected by frostbite, this can include; numbness, sensitivity to cold and problems with nail growth

Open Document