Medical expert of the article
New publications
Cold trauma
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Exposure to cold can cause a decrease in body temperature (hypothermia) and local soft tissue damage. As a result of the freezing of tissues, their frostbite develops. To damages of tissues without freezing are cold spasm, "trench stop" and frostbite. Treatment of a cold injury consists in reheating.
Susceptibility to cold trauma increases exhaustion, hunger, dehydration, hypoxia, cardiovascular diseases and contact with dampness or metal. The risk group includes the elderly, children and people who are in a state of alcohol or drug intoxication. In the elderly, the temperature sensitivity is decreased, mobility and sociability are impaired, which can lead to a prolonged exposure in an overly cool environment. These disorders, combined with the thinning of the subcutaneous fat, contribute to hypothermia, sometimes even indoors, in cool rooms. Young children also have decreased mobility and sociability, they have a higher body-to-mass ratio, which also increases heat loss. Streets that are in a state of intoxication, who have lost consciousness in the cold, are highly likely to hypothermic.
It is extremely important to prevent cold trauma. Layered warm clothes and protection from dampness and wind are important even when the weather is, in all probability, not threatened by cold trauma. Use clothing that does not give off heat, even when wet (for example, from wool or polypropylene). Gloves and socks should be kept dry if possible. In very cold weather, shoes are needed that do not restrict blood circulation. A warm hat is especially important, because 30% of the heat is lost from the surface of the head. The consumption of sufficient amounts of liquid and food contributes to metabolic heat production. A person's attentive attitude to the chilled or frozen parts of the body, their immediate heating, can prevent cold trauma.
[