Frostbite - Symptoms, Causes, and Doctors

About- Frostbite is an injury caused by freezing of the skin and underlying tissues that results when the blood vessels contract, reducing blood flow and oxygen to the affected body parts. Commonly affected areas are our fingers, toes, ears, nose, cheeks, and chin.

Types
Frostnip (first-degree frostbite) - It is very mild and doesn’t damage the skin. The skin will turn red and feel cold to the touch.
Superficial frostbite (second-degree frostbite) – The skin will begin to turn from a reddish color to a paler color sometimes blue.
Deep frostbite (third-degree frostbite) - It is the severe stage of frostbite and affects both the skin and the tissues below the skin.

Symptoms-

Blistering

Clumsiness due to joint and muscle stiffness

Cold skin

Discolored skin (red, white, gray, or yellow)

Hard or waxy-looking skin

Itchiness

Joint and muscle stiffness

Numbness

Pain around the exposed area

Causes-
Frostbite is normally caused by prolonged exposure to cold temperatures or direct contact with ice, frozen metal or very cold liquids.

Risk Factors

A history of frostbite

Alcoholism

Dehydration

Diabetes

Drug abuse

Excessive sweating

Exhaustion

Fear, panic or mental illness

Poor blood flow in limbs

Smoking

Complications-

Changes in skin color

Excessive sweating

Frostbite arthritis

Gangrene

Growth defects in children

Hypothermia

Increased sensitivity to cold

Infection

Long-term numbness

Loss of nails

Sepsis

Tetanus

Specialists to visit
Emergency Medicine Doctor
General Physician
Hand Surgeon
Plastic Surgeon

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References
https://en.wikipedia.org
https://www.mayoclinic.org
https://www.healthline.com
https://www.webmd.com
https://www.medicinenet.com
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com
https://orthoinfo.aaos.org
https://www.nhs.uk