Frostbite

Definition

Frostbite is injury from ice formation within tissues resulting from contact with cold air, liquids or metals. It is most commonly due to excessive exposure of skin to sub-zero environmental temperatures. The risk of injury is exacerbated by wind. The most commonly affected sites are fingers, toes, ears, nose, cheeks and chin with injury limited to skin and soft tissues. Full thickness skin necrosis and injury to deeper structures including muscles and bone may occur with prolonged exposure to cold.

Exclusions

• Hypothermia (NF02)

4 subordinate codes

• NE40Superficial frostbite
• NE41Frostbite with tissue necrosis
• NE42Frostbite involving multiple body regions
• 4B4ZDiseases of the immune system, unspecified

Nearby in Injury, poisoning or certain other consequences of external causes

• NA00-NA0ZInjuries to the head
• NA20-NA6ZInjuries to the neck
• NA80-NB3ZInjuries to the thorax
• NB50-NB9ZInjuries to the abdomen, lower back, lumbar spine or pelvis
• NC10-NC1ZInjuries to the shoulder or upper arm
• NC30-NC3ZInjuries to the elbow or forearm
• NC50-NC5ZInjuries to the wrist or hand
• NC70-NC7ZInjuries to the hip or thigh