NE40
Superficial frostbite
Geladura superficial
CategoryDefinition
Superficial frostbite is a blistering, surface tissue injury following transient exposure to below freezing temperatures. Damage occurs due to ice crystals directly injuring epidermal cell membranes, and intense vasoconstriction leading to inadequate skin perfusion. Injury can be increased if affected tissue is gradually, rather than rapidly, rewarmed. Blistering, contains clear fluid and skin will generally heal over several weeks with paresthesias and sometimes arthritis. Skin grafting and amputations are not needed, and unlike thermal injuries, there is no denatured protein, so these patients do not form hypertrophic scars.
Exclusions
- Superficial frostbite involving multiple body regions
Inclusions
- frostbite with partial-thickness skin loss
Index Terms
Superficial frostbiteFirst degree frostbitefrostbite with partial-thickness skin lossFrostnipSecond degree frostbiteSuperficial frostbite of headSequelae of superficial frostbite of headSuperficial frostbite of faceSuperficial frostbite of neckSequelae of superficial frostbite of neckSuperficial frostbite of thoraxSequelae of superficial frostbite of thoraxSuperficial frostbite of abdominal wall, lower back or pelvisSequelae of superficial frostbite of abdominal wall, lower back and pelvisSuperficial frostbite of abdominal wallSuperficial frostbite of pelvisSuperficial frostbite of armsuperficial frostbite of upper limbSequelae of superficial frostbite of armSuperficial frostbite of wrist or handSequelae of superficial frostbite of wrist or handSuperficial frostbite of fingersSuperficial frostbite of handSuperficial frostbite of wristSuperficial frostbite of hip or thighSequelae of superficial frostbite of hip or thighSuperficial frostbite of hipSuperficial frostbite of knee or lower legSequelae of superficial frostbite of knee or lower legSuperficial frostbite of kneeSuperficial frostbite of lower legSuperficial frostbite of ankle or footSequelae of superficial frostbite of ankle or footSuperficial frostbite of ankleSuperficial frostbite of footSuperficial frostbite of toesSuperficial frostbite of leg, not elsewhere classifiedsuperficial frostbite of lower limb NOSSuperficial frostbite of trunk, not elsewhere classifiedsuperficial frostbite of trunk NOS