Pathogenesis (development of disease)
In 1st degree frostbite, redness, there is only superficial damage to the skin. This always regresses without consequences.
2nd-degree frostbite causes plasma to leak from the vessels, resulting in blistering.
3rd degree frostbite, in contrast to the previous stages, affects all skin layers as well as soft tissues. They are damaged by the long-lasting reduced blood flow. Tissue death occurs.
In hypothermia, the entire body is hypothermic. In this case, heat production is lower than heat release over a longer period of time.
Etiology (causes)
The following factors predispose to frostbite:
Behavioral causes
- Tight-fitting clothing/shoes
- Immobility
Disease-related causes.
Symptoms and abnormal clinical and laboratory findings not elsewhere classified (R00-R99).
- Immobility
Medication
The following factors predispose to hpothermia:
Biographical causes
- Age of life – elderly, newborns, children.
Behavioral causes
- Alcohol abuse
- Drug abuse
Disease-related causes
Psyche – nervous system (F00-F99; G00-G99)
- Alcohol abuse
- Drug abuse
Other causes
- Mountain accident
- Polytrauma – combination of multiple injuries, at least one of which, or combination of injuries, is life-threatening
- Snow accident
- Burial
- Neglect
- Water accident
