Which finding is not typical for frostbite?

Which finding is not typical for frostbite?

• A. Cold, numb skin
• B. Ice crystals forming intracellularly
• C. Warm, red skin
• D. Tingling sensations

Answer: (C)

Frostbite injures tissue by freezing it, which causes ice crystals to form inside cells and drastically reduces blood flow to the affected area. This leads to cold, numb skin because sensation and perfusion are lost, and as nerves react or begin to recover, tingling sensations can occur. The skin typically appears pale, waxy, and firm from the freezing injury. Warm, red skin isn’t typical while the tissue is frozen, because heat and blood flow are diminished; redness and warmth can appear after rewarming. So the option describing warm, red skin doesn’t fit frostbite.

Frostbite injures tissue by freezing it, which causes ice crystals to form inside cells and drastically reduces blood flow to the affected area. This leads to cold, numb skin because sensation and perfusion are lost, and as nerves react or begin to recover, tingling sensations can occur. The skin typically appears pale, waxy, and firm from the freezing injury. Warm, red skin isn’t typical while the tissue is frozen, because heat and blood flow are diminished; redness and warmth can appear after rewarming. So the option describing warm, red skin doesn’t fit frostbite.