Cold Hands and Feet (cont.)

Medical Author:

Ken Zafren, MD

Medical Editor:

Scott H Plantz, MD, FAAEM

Medical Editor:

Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD

Medical Editor:

Steven L Bernstein, MD

Severely frostbitten areas may require amputation. Frostbitten areas that recover are prone to excessive sweating, pain, coldness, numbness, changes in skin color, and stiffness. Frostbite in children may lead to growth abnormalities of the affected part.
Frostnipped areas recover without any difficulties, except that they may be sensitive to the cold for months or years.
Areas with immersion injury may also require amputation. Affected areas remain sensitive to cold for years and may have all the problems associated with frostbite.
Areas of pernio usually recover within 2 weeks. Sometimes the rash may last longer. The skin may darken permanently. Pernio may come back if you are exposed to cold again.
Raynaud's syndrome tends to recur. It can usually be handled if you avoid exposure to cold, but you may benefit from medication, especially if you cannot avoid cold.
People with cryoglobulins may have minor symptoms such as cold intolerance and Raynaud's phenomenon to severe, life-threatening symptoms such as kidney failure or stroke. Cryoglobulins are not common.
Cold urticaria can usually be controlled by avoidance of cold but sometimes requires medication.