What is a common cold weather injury characterized by skin damage due to freezing?

Frostbite is a condition that occurs when skin and underlying tissues freeze due to exposure to cold temperatures. It primarily affects extremities such as fingers, toes, ears, and the nose. When the skin temperature drops significantly, ice crystals can form within the cells, leading to cellular injury and, in severe cases, tissue death. Symptoms of frostbite include a tingling sensation, numbness, and a waxy appearance of the affected area. Treatment typically involves gently rewarming the affected tissues and seeking medical attention to prevent complications.

Hypothermia, while also a cold weather concern, is a systemic condition where the body loses heat faster than it can produce it, leading to a dangerously low body temperature rather than localized skin damage. Trenchfoot involves prolonged exposure to wet and cold conditions, leading to damage but is distinctly different from frostbite in its mechanisms and symptoms. Heat stroke, on the other hand, is a heat-related illness that occurs in hot weather and is unrelated to cold weather injuries. Understanding frostbite is essential for recognizing the dangers of extreme cold exposure and preventing long-term damage.