Frostbite – manifestation and mitigation. Issue 3 (July 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gupta, Aanchal; Soni, Rajat; Ganguli, Munia
• Is Part Of: Burns open. Volume 5:Issue 3(2021)
• Page Start: 96
• Page End: 103
• Publication Date: 2021-07
• Subjects: Frostbite -- Therapies -- Animal models -- Prevention -- Antifreeze Proteins; Burns and scalds -- Treatment -- Periodicals; Burns and scalds -- Periodicals; Burns and scalds -- Prevention -- Periodicals; Burns and scalds -- Patients -- Rehabilitation -- Periodicals; Burns and scalds -- Nursing -- Periodicals; Burns; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 617.11005
• DOI: 10.1016/j.burnso.2021.04.002
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2468-9122

Abstract

Highlights: Frostbite is prevalent in the military as well as civilian population. Review summarizes therapeutic options and possible preventive strategies. Detailed discussion on animal models and their importance in frostbite research. Abstract: Frostbite is a severe health condition that is manifested in situations where an individual is exposed to extreme cold conditions. Touching materials such as ice packs/ dry ice, or just being exposed to a low wind speed in air temperature below −15 °C can result in a freeze-burn. The manifestations vary from a self-healing superficial burn (frostnip) on skin to conditions as severe as gangrenous necrosis, leading to auto-amputation of the affected limb. While ectotherms possess biological mechanisms to counter cold and can survive at sub-zero temperatures, humans depend mainly on the involuntary act of shivering or turn to insulating, protective gear for cold tolerance. For aiding frostbite patients, post-injury treatments are currently employed and prophylactic strategies are not commonly available. This review discusses frostbite manifestations – focusing on the therapies available and discusses various animal models used in frostbite research.