Blisters may form in skin that has been damaged by being
exposed to cold or freezing temperatures. Examples of cold injuries that may
cause blisters include:
Frostbite, which occurs from prolonged
exposure to temperatures of
32°F (0°C) or lower.
Trench foot, which occurs gradually over several days
of exposure to cold, but not freezing, temperatures. The name comes from World
War I troops who developed symptoms after standing in cold, wet
Chilblains, which is a reaction to cold, nonfreezing
temperatures. It is seen most often in young people who have
Raynaud's syndrome and people who are exposed to damp,
First aid for blisters caused by exposure to cold
temperatures focuses on rewarming the affected areas, relieving pain, and
preventing complications such as infection.
ByHealthwise Staff Primary Medical ReviewerWilliam H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine Specialist Medical ReviewerH. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine
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