[Management of frostbite in and outside of the doctor's surgery]

Abstract

Frostbite is most likely to happen in combination with accidents, intoxications or psychiatric emergencies and typically affects smaller, more exposed areas of the body, such as fingers, toes, nose, ears, cheeks and chin. The preclinical treatment consists of rapid rewarming of the injured tissue in a water-bath that is held between 38 - 42 °C (hand-hot) in a stable, warm environment. A new clssification allows a faster assessment of the outcome. New retrospective studies suggest the efficacy of thrombolysis or prostacyclin analogues against spasm and thrombosis for a better outcome.