| Caused by slow temperature decrease in affected tissue with hypothermia, no direct frostbite |
Formation of ice crystals in tissue |
| Alternating phases of vasoconstriction and vasodilation in protracted hypothermia |
Tissue damage is immediate |
| Incomplete damage of tissue, nerve fibers react at early stage |
Direct damage of entire tissue by formation of ice crystals |
| Four clinical phases (Table 4) |
Course often very protracted, complete recovery rare |
| Blister formation rare |
Blister formation in stages II and III |
| Slow rewarming |
Rewarming in warm water (37 to 39 °C) for 15 to 60 min |
| Slight loading of the affected area possible, no bandaging necessary |
Sterile und protective bandages, topical antiseptics as required, splinting of affected extremities |
