non freezing cold injuries (NFCI)
Last reviewed 02/2021
non freezing cold injuries
Non freezing cold injuries (NFCI) are caused when tissues are exposed to prolonged cooling insufficient to cause freezing.
- exposure to near freezing temperatures, defined as 0°C to 15°C is thought to be sufficient for development of NFCIs
- tissue fluids do not freeze which differentiates it both clinically and pathologically from freezing cold injuries
According to the ambient environment during the exposure, NFCI can be divided into:
- wet (trench or immersion foot)
- dry (pernio or chilblains)
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