What are the long-term effects of frostbite?

What are the long-term effects of frostbite?

Complications from frostbite, especially if left untreated, include growth defects in children, infection, tetanus, gangrene (decay and death of tissue), long-term numbness or permanent loss of sensation in the affected area, changes in the cartilage between joints near the affected area (frostbite arthritis), and …

What body parts are affected by frostbite?

In frostbite, body tissues become frozen, and permanent damage may happen if the affected area is not treated promptly. Amputation of a body part may be needed in the most severe cases. Most commonly, affected body parts include the nose, ears, fingers, toes, cheeks, and chin.

What can frozen skin lead to?

When you get an ice burn, the water in the cells of your skin freezes. It forms sharp ice crystals, which can damage the structure of your skin cells. Blood vessels near your skin also begin to constrict. This reduces the flow of blood to affected areas, causing further damage.

How do you treat potential frostbite?

For milder cases of frostbite, take over-the-counter ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) to reduce pain and inflammation. For superficial frostbite that has been rewarmed, some people find it soothing to apply aloe vera gel or lotion to the affected area several times a day. Avoid further exposure to cold and wind.

Will mild frostbite go away?

Frostnip (2) is mild frostbite that irritates the skin, causing redness and a cold feeling followed by numbness. Frostnip doesn’t permanently damage the skin and can be treated with first-aid measures.

What is second degree frostbite?

Second-degree frostbite freezes all layers of the skin. It causes numbness followed by aching and throbbing pain. Blisters appear, filled with clear or milky fluid. Third-degree frostbite freezes the deep layers of skin and tissues below the skin.

Does second degree frostbite heal?

Frostnip (2) is mild frostbite that irritates the skin, causing redness, prickling and a cold feeling followed by numbness. Frostnip doesn’t permanently damage the skin and can be treated with first-aid measures.

How long after frostbite does skin turn black?

The joints and muscles of the affected area may also stop working. After the area is rewarmed, it will develop large blisters within 24 to 48 hours and the area will turn black and hard because the tissue has died, according to the Mayo Clinic.