Alternative Names
Cold exposure – arms or legs
Definition of Frostbite
Frostbite is damage to the skin and underlying tissues caused by extreme cold.
Symptoms
The first symptoms are a “pins and needles” sensation followed by numbness. There may be an early throbbing or aching, but later on the affected part becomes insensate (feels like a “block of wood”).
Review
Jacob L. Heller, MD, MHA, Emergency Medicine, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, Washington. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc. – 1/14/2010
