Frostnip

Diagnosis

• Frostnip, a precursor to frostbite with a similar appearance, but without ice crystal formation in the skin. Whitening of the skin and numbness reverse quickly after rewarming.
• Trench foot, damage to nerves and blood vessels that results from exposure to cold wet (non-freezing) conditions. This is reversible if treated early.
• Pernio or chilblains, inflammation of the skin from exposure to wet, cold (non-freezing) conditions. They can appear as various types of ulcers and blisters.
• Bullous pemphigoid, a condition that causes itchy blisters over the body that can mimic frostbite. It does not require exposure to cold to develop.
• Levamisole toxicity, a vasculitis that can appear similar to frostbite. It is caused by contamination of cocaine by levamisole. Skin lesions can look similar to those of frostbite, but do not require cold exposure to occur.