Frostbite – manifestation and mitigation

Abstract

Frostbite is a severe health condition that is manifested in situations where an individual is exposed to extreme cold conditions. Touching materials such as ice packs/ dry ice, or just being exposed to a low wind speed in air temperature below −15 °C can result in a freeze-burn. The manifestations vary from a self-healing superficial burn (frostnip) on skin to conditions as severe as gangrenous necrosis, leading to auto-amputation of the affected limb. While ectotherms possess biological mechanisms to counter cold and can survive at sub-zero temperatures, humans depend mainly on the involuntary act of shivering or turn to insulating, protective gear for cold tolerance. For aiding frostbite patients, post-injury treatments are currently employed and prophylactic strategies are not commonly available. This review discusses frostbite manifestations – focusing on the therapies available and discusses various animal models used in frostbite research.