Frostbite Definition

Frostbite (congelatio; ICD-10-GM T33-T35: frostbite) refers to acute local tissue damage caused by exposure to cold.The acra (fingers, toes, ears, nose) are particularly affected. Under certain circumstances, general hypothermia may also be present.

Frostbite can be divided into the following four stages:

Stage Stage description
I Redness (congelatio erythematosa), numbness.
II Edema/blistering (congelatio bullosa) on reddened skin
III Necrosis (cold burn; congelatio gangraenosa s. escharotica).
IV Icing

Hypothermia (hypothermia; ICD-10-GM T68) is said to occur when the core body temperature is reduced below the set point, consequently the whole body is affected.

Three stages of hypothermia can be distinguished:

Stage Rectal temperature Stage description
I 37-34 °C Skin vascular contraction, heart rate and blood pressure increased, cold shivering
II 34-27 °C Increasing insensitivity to pain, heart rate and respiration slowed, muscle rigidity, reflexes weakened; unconsciousness (32 °C and above)
III 27-22 °C Autonomic body functions break down, death from cold

Frostbite and hypothermia particularly affect winter athletes or the homeless.

Course and prognosis: Both frostbite and hypothermia can develop slowly or rapidly. In many cases, frostbite is the result of hypothermia. The prognosis depends on the severity of the cold effects and how quickly they are properly treated. If treatment of hypothermia is delayed, serious organ damage may result. Mild frostbite (1st degree) heals without consequence. In the most severe cases, amputation must be considered.