Frostbite may occur when tissue under the
skin freezes. Typically, frostbite occurs after exposure to extreme cold or through contact with chemicals such as
methane, nitrogen, carbon dioxide and
ammonia. With frostbite, the liquids within the skin and blood vessels freeze and crystallize, cutting off the
blood supply and suffocating tissue. Tissue may die if deprived of oxygen for an extended period of time. Severe cases of frostbite may require
amputation of the affected limb.
Death may occur in extreme cases.
See Also
- Skin Disorders: Overview
- Ammonia
- Chloroethane
- Methane Exposure: Overview
- Phosgene
- Selenium Hexafluoride