What type of injuries can occur due to prolonged cold exposure besides frostbite?

Prolonged cold exposure can lead to various injuries beyond frostbite, and chilblains and immersion foot are significant examples of such conditions.

Chilblains occur when the skin is exposed to cold temperatures, causing small blood vessels to constrict and then expand upon rewarming, leading to inflammation. This condition can present as red, itchy, swollen patches on the skin and is often painful. It typically affects areas that are commonly exposed to cold, such as the toes, fingers, ears, and nose.

Immersion foot, or trench foot, results from prolonged exposure to wet and cold conditions. When feet are submerged in cold water for extended periods, blood flow can become impaired, leading to tissue damage. Symptoms include pain, numbness, swelling, and skin changes like blisters and discoloration.

Both chilblains and immersion foot exemplify how cold exposure can have detrimental effects on the body's extremities beyond the severe reactions that frostbite represents. The underlying mechanism involves impaired blood flow and direct cold-related injury to the skin and soft tissues. Understanding these conditions is critical for recognizing and responding to injuries due to cold exposure.