Title: Cold Exposure and Associated Conditions<br/>Author: Jon Mark Hirshon<br/><a href='http://umem.org/profiles/faculty/96/'>[Click to email author]</a><hr/><p>
        <strong>General Information:</strong></p>
<p>
        Hypothermia is when the body’s core temperature is less than 35º C. Often thought as a winter disease, it can occur in nearly any climate or weather condition. However, a number of cold related conditions can occur without a drop in core body temperature.</p>
<p>
         </p>
<p>
        <strong>Specific Cold Related Conditions:</strong></p>
<ul>
        <li>
                <strong><em>Frostnip</em></strong>
                <ul style="list-style-type:circle;">
                        <li>
                                Condition: Ice crystal deposited in the dermis</li>
                        <li>
                                Exposure: Freezing, damp exposure over hours to days</li>
                        <li>
                                Treatment: Warm water (37º-41ºC) immersion with movement of affected area for 15-30 minutes</li>
                </ul>
        </li>
</ul>
<p>
         </p>
<ul>
        <li>
                <strong><em>Frostbite</em></strong>
                <ul style="list-style-type:circle;">
                        <li>
                                Condition: Frozen skin surface with damage to dermis and deeper structures</li>
                        <li>
                                Exposure: Freezing, damp exposure over hours to days</li>
                        <li>
                                Treatment: Warm water (37º-41ºC) immersion with movement of affected area for 15-30 minutes</li>
                </ul>
        </li>
</ul>
<p>
         </p>
<ul>
        <li>
                <strong><em>Trench foot</em></strong>
                <ul style="list-style-type:circle;">
                        <li>
                                Condition: Tissue necrosis without freezing</li>
                        <li>
                                Exposure: Cold water exposure for hours to days</li>
                        <li>
                                Treatment: Warm water (37º-41ºC) immersion with movement of affected area for 15-30 minutes</li>
                </ul>
        </li>
</ul>
<p>
         </p>
<ul>
        <li>
                <strong><em>Chillblains</em></strong>
                <ul style="list-style-type:circle;">
                        <li>
                                Condition: Epidermis repeatedly partially frozen and thawed</li>
                        <li>
                                Exposure: Chronic cold, dry wind exposure over weeks</li>
                        <li>
                                Treatment: Calcium-channel blockers can provide pain relief and decrease necrosis</li>
                </ul>
        </li>
</ul>
<p>
         </p>
<p>
        <strong>Bottom line:</strong></p>
<p>
        Remember that cold related injuries can occur without core hypothermia. Don’t forget the tetanus and antibiotics, as indicated.</p>
<fieldset><legend>References</legend>

                <p>
        Pathophysiology, management and complications of hypothermia. Lantry J, Dezman Z, Hirshon JM. <em>Br J Hosp Med (Lond)</em>. 2012 Jan; 73(1):31-7.</p>
</fieldset>