[Acute local cold injury]

Whereas reasonable rewarming is the successful treatment in the Alpine regions of Europe, rapid rewarming in a whirlpool at a water temperature of 35 degrees C is given preference in the Soviet Union and in the U.S.A. Subsequently, perfusion of the tissue must be maintained by sympathetic blockades, infusions of low-molecular-weight dextrans and improving the microcirculation. Since no third-degree or fourth-degree local cold injury will heal without sequelae, particular attention should be focused on preventive measures.