Frostbitten Feet

In brief The body's response to severe brief cold-protecting the core temperature by reducing circulation to the extremities-makes the feet vulnerable to frostbite. A frostbitten foot should be rewarmed only when there is no danger of refreezing. During rewarming, patients may need heavy sedation as well as treatment for metabolic acidosis, hypoxia, and hypotension. Patients should be kept in bed until edema subsides and blisters are dry. Escharotomy should be delayed until the eschar starts to separate, since it is usually possible to save more tissue than expected.