These areas should include the distribution and enforced wearing of cold weather clothing, proper personal hygiene, especially foot care, proper rotation cycles into sheltered areas, and the distribution of sufficient rations and fluids for cold weather operations, particularly hot liquids. Early diagnosis and treatment Emphasis is placed on early diagnosis and treatment of cold injuries by medical personnel. This usually takes 1-4 weeks. Cold injuries are divided into freezing and nonfreezing injuries. Chilblains is a superficial tissue injury that occurs after prolonged or intermittent exposure to temperatures above freezing and high humidity with high winds.
Initial pallor characterizes chilblains.
Treatment includes gradually rewarming of the exposed area at room temperature. After rewarming, there may be erythema, edema, and itching of the limb and skin. Superficial blisters or ulcers may appear with repeated episodes. Usually the duty time lost from this injury is insignificant. The skin is anesthetic and deep musculoskeletal sensation is lost.