What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Early Stage of Frostbite
• Mild Form of Frostbite

What is Frostnip? (Definition/Background Information)

• Frostnip is mild form of cold injury that is confined to the skin, which results in skin redness, irritation, and numbness. In this condition, the cold is non-freezing and there is no permanent or irreversible skin tissue damage observed
• Frostnip develops from exposure to cold weather without adequate protective clothing. This may occur while playing, travelling, or doing any outdoor activity in cold conditions. Elderly adults and very young children are more at risk for Frostnip
• Usually, the exposed hands and feet or face is involved. No other severe symptoms or adverse complications are noted, since the condition is generally mild
• In many, the condition does not require any treatment and gets better on its own, with gradual rewarming of the affected region. The prognosis of Frostnip is typically excellent in a majority of individuals

Who gets Frostnip? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Frostnip may be observed in individuals of all age groups including children and adults. However, very young children and older adults are increasingly susceptible to injury from cold conditions
• Both males and females are affected
• No racial or ethnic group predilection is observed and the condition is observed worldwide, in the cold regions

What are the Risk Factors for Frostnip? (Predisposing Factors)

The risk factors for Frostnip include exposure to cold or injury from cold, which may occur from:

• Living or travelling in cold regions without adequate protective clothing
• Playing outdoors during cold weather; outdoor activity during winters
• Generally, children have a higher risk of cold injury due to quicker heat loss from the body

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases one’s chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Frostnip? (Etiology)

Frostnip is a superficial (confined to the skin) non-freezing injury caused by the constriction of the blood vessels (vasoconstriction). It may be described as an early stage of frostbite, since no permanent damage to the skin tissues are noted.

• It normally affects the extremities and develops on prolonged exposure to cold weather/conditions in the absence of any protective clothing
• Cold temperatures cause the temporary narrowing of blood vessels at the skin surface, which on warming causes blood to rush back into the blood vessels. This causes the symptoms associated with Frostnip

In Frostnip, rewarming the tissue does not lead to irreversible tissue injury. In Frostbite, there may be permanent tissue damage, even after rewarming the area.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Frostnip?

The signs and symptoms of Frostnip are usually confined to the outer skin layers and may include:

• The skin becomes pale and red
• Itching may be the first indication of Frostnip
• Numbness; tingling or pricking sensation may be present
• Occasionally, pain is noted
• The affected regions are the fingers, toes, ears, nose, and cheeks

How is Frostnip Diagnosed?

Frostnip may be diagnosed using the following tests and exams:

• Complete physical examination with comprehensive evaluation of medical history
• Assessment of the signs and symptoms
• Dermoscopy: It is a diagnostic tool where a dermatologist examines the skin using a special magnified lens
• Wood’s lamp examination: In this procedure, the healthcare provider examines the skin using ultraviolet light. It is performed to examine the change in skin pigmentation
• Skin biopsy, if necessary: A biopsy is performed and sent to a laboratory for a pathological examination. The pathologist examines the biopsy under a microscope. After putting together clinical findings, special studies on tissues (if needed) and with microscope findings, the pathologist arrives at a definitive diagnosis

In many cases, no skin biopsy is necessary and the condition may be diagnosed via the presenting symptoms by a healthcare provider.

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Frostnip?

In a majority of individuals, no significant complications due to Frostnip are noted. However, in some cases, the following complications are observed:

• Mild cosmetic issues resulting in emotional stress
• Secondary bacterial and fungal infection due to scratching, bleeding, and ulceration
• Recurrence of the condition, in many individuals

How is Frostnip Treated?

In many individuals, no treatment is necessary for Frostnip apart from gradually rewarming the affected skin area. The condition is temporary and it gets better spontaneously, after a certain period of time. If required, the following measures may be considered:

• Symptomatic and supportive therapy
• Use of topical moisturizing creams; aloe vera creams

How can Frostnip be Prevented?

Avoiding exposure to cold weather and cold temperatures can help prevent Frostnip. Additionally, the following steps may be taken to prevent the condition:

• Use of protective and warm clothing (including wearing gloves, shoes, etc.); especially, taking precautions when there is a sudden change in weather (from cold to hot temperatures)
• Avoid activities that may trigger the condition
• Change your work activities, if possible, to avoid exposure to cold

What is the Prognosis of Frostnip? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

The prognosis of Frostnip is typically excellent, since it is a self-limiting condition with no severe symptoms or complications being noted. Also, there is no permanent skin damage observed in this condition.

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Frostnip:

The following is a useful resource for additional information on First Aid for Frostbite:

https://www.dovemed.com/healthy-living/first-aid/frostbite-first-aid/