freezing vs non freezing cold injuries
Last reviewed 01/2018
freezing vs non freezing cold injuries
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freezing cold injuries |
non freezing cold injuries |
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formation of ice crystals in tissue |
caused by slow temperature decrease in affected tissue with hypothermia, no direct frostbite |
|
tissue damage is immediate |
alternating phases of vasoconstriction and vasodilation in protracted hypothermia |
|
direct damage of entire tissue by formation of ice crystals |
incomplete damage of tissue, nerve fibers react at early stage |
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course often very protracted, complete recovery rare |
four clinical phases |
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blister formation in stages II and III |
blister formation rare |
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rewarming in warm water (37 to 39 °C) for 15 to 60 min |
slow rewarming |
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sterile und protective bandages, topical antiseptics as required, splinting of affected extremities |
slight loading of the affected area possible, no bandaging necessary |
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