Thermal injuries from cold exposure can cause local effects like vascular spasm, dilation, blistering and necrosis. Prolonged cold exposure can lead to conditions like frost bite, trench foot, and immersion foot, especially in soldiers in trenches or those exposed at sea. These conditions affect the extremities and cause blistering, ulceration and localized gangrene. Frost bite occurs when exposed to temperatures below -2.5°C and causes infarction of peripheral digits, edema, and later necrosis that may extend deep or affect areas like the nose, ears and face, resulting in blistering and gangrene. Prolonged cold exposure can also cause paradoxical behaviors where victims undress instead of preserving heat.

1. Thermal Injuries
Dr.Prasanna. P
Assistant Professor

2. Cold

3. •Local effects
i. Vascular spasm – blanching and paleness of skin
ii. Vascular dilation – erythema, oedema and swelling
iii. Blister formation
iv. Necrosis

4. •Localized effects
1. Frost bite
2. Trench foot
3. Immersion foot

5. •Trench foot & Immersion Foot
 Prolonged exposure to cold (5 to 80 c)
Soldiers
Trenches
Prolonged immersion or exposure at sea.
• Extremities are affected
• Blister formation with ulceration
• Localized gangrene occurs

6. •Frost bite
• Infarction of peripheral digits - edema, redness and later necrosis
• May affect only skin and extend deep.
• Due to exposure cold – (-2.50 c )
• Blister formation and gangrene occurs.
• It affects - nose, ears and face.

7. • Reciprocal or Paradoxical undressing
• The Hide- and – Die syndrome (Terminal Burrowing behavior)