Cold injuries

Background

• Frostbite occurs only when ambient temperatures are well below freezing
• Nonfreezing cold injuries occur due to exposure to wet conditions when temper >freezing

Cold Panniculitis

• Prolonged exposure to temp >freezing leads to mild necrosis of subcutaneous fat tissue
• Seen in children (popsicles) and women involved in equestrian activities
• Resolution may result in adipose fibrosis w/ cosmetic defects
  • There is no treatment

Cold Urticaria

• Hypersensitivity to cold air or water which may lead to fatal anaphylaxis
• Treat similarly to urticarial lesions from other causes (i.e. antihistamines)
• Avoidance of cold is recommended

Source

Tintinalli