Frostbite and Seniors – Risks and Symptoms
Cold Injury That Can Have Long Lasting Complications in Elders
Sep 4, 2009
Many seniors are concerned about the potential for falls in snow and ice, but many may not consider the potential for frostbite injuries. Frostbite, a freezing cold weather injury, affects many older people from news reporters and winter sports enthusiasts to soldiers on battlefields, the homeless, and seniors with dementia. Seniors who know about frostbite’s risks, symptoms, and long-term effects may be better equipped to avoid this cold injury or to better understand lasting symptoms.
Risks for Frostbite
According to Denise Nix’s article “Commentary: Frostbite” in the May/June 2008 issue of Journal of Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nursing, the following groups are at increased risk for frostbite injuries:
- People who are homeless, have inadequate shelter, or do not use heating systems in their homes
- People who work in cold weather, such as soldiers and rescuers
- Those who become stranded in a cold environment
- African Americans
- Athletes who participate in outdoor winter sports
- Those with altered mental status due to alcohol, trauma, mental illness, or dementia
- People using substances that impair circulation, such as certain medications, caffeine, or cigarettes
- Those with inadequate or tight clothing in cold conditions
- People who have experienced a previous cold-related injury
- Those with pre-existing conditions such as diabetes, inadequate diet, thyroid problems, peripheral vascular disease, or infections
Skin exposed to freezing conditions tend to be more likely to develop frostbite first. Areas most commonly affected by frostbite are typically extremities that are farthest away from the heart, including:
- Ears
- Nose
- Cheeks
- Hands and Fingers
- Penis or Breasts
- Feet and Toes
Symptoms of Frostbite
Frostbite results from freezing of body tissues and underlying structures. The severity of symptoms tends to increase with the amount of time the area is exposed to the freezing conditions and delays in rewarming. Damage to the area may not be fully realized until much later. Areas that are not frozen but adjacent to the area may also experience damage that may initially be overlooked. Warming and then re-freezing areas can further add to the internal damage. The area affected by frostbite typically appears cold, lighter, and hard to the touch initially. As the area begins to get warmer, the area may begin to swell with color darkening or turning red, often with a mottled effect.
Re-warming of the area is painful and may be severe. Within four to six hours, blisters may appear. Clear fluid in the blisters indicates a more superficial injury while blood-filled blisters give cause for increased concern because deeper tissues may be involved. Compartment syndrome and gangrene are more likely to develop with more severe frostbite. Some severe cases of frostbite may result in the area detaching from the rest of the body on its own.
According to the October 2006 article in Emergency Medicine entitled “The Emergent Patient: Cold-Related Injuries,” a feeling of numbness tends to be the first and most common symptom, affecting about 75% of those with frostbite. The area may be less sensitive to light touch and temperature changes. Pain that comes and goes in the area may indicate partial tissue destruction, while a complete loss of feeling tends to indicate deeper and more serious injury. The Emergency Medicine article above mentions a feeling like an electric current may indicate tissue loss while early sensations that feel as if the area is burning may indicate future preservation of the tissue.
Long-Term Effects of a Frostbite Injury
According to the August 2008 Merck article by Daniel F. Danzl, MD entitled “Frostbite,” any frostbite injury can result in long-term symptoms, including:
- Cold sensitivity
- Sweating that may be excessive
- Impaired nail growth
- Numbness
- Symptoms that are similar to Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
People who have experienced a frostbite injury are more likely to have Raynaud's Disease as well.
Seniors and Frostbite
Frostbite is a cold weather injury with a wide range of symptoms and potential long-term effects for many seniors. Seniors who review the above risks for frostbite injuries may be better equipped to avoid frostbite and other less serious cold-related injuries, such as frostnip and chilblain. Readers may also wish to read about chilblains and preventive measures for avoiding cold injuries.
Information in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. People who suspect that they have a cold-related injury or long-term effects related to frostbite should notify their healthcare professional as appropriate.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
