Deep Frostbite: Symptoms, Tissue Damage & Emergency Treatment

Deep frostbite involves freezing of tissues beyond the skin—fat, muscle, tendon, nerve, bone, vessels.

Signs

• Skin: Bluish-black, hard, waxy.
• Blisters: Hemorrhagic (blood-filled) on rewarming.
• Severe swelling, loss of sensation.

Complications

• Necrosis, gangrene
• Permanent nerve damage → numbness, chronic pain, contractures
• Joint stiffness, muscle atrophy
• Infection → possible amputation

Emergency Management

• Rapid rewarming: 37–39°C water bath (no dry heat).
• No rubbing/massage.
• Pain control, tetanus, antibiotics if infected.
• Surgical debridement/amputation delayed until demarcation (weeks).

Deep frostbite is a medical emergency. Seek immediate care.