The occurrence of frostbite and its risk factors in young men.

OBJECTIVES: Previous studies have paid little attention to the occurrence of frostbites and related risk factors. The purpose of this study is to analyse the life-time occurrence of frostbite in young men and its association with the cold-provoked white finger syndrome (CPWF), smoking and hand vibration. METHODS: The study population consisted of 5839 Finnish men aged 17-30 years entering military service. Data was collected for cases of first-degree, or more severe, frostbite affecting the head and extremities. Logistic analysis was used to assess the risk of frostbite with respect to CPWF, smoking and hand vibration. RESULTS: The life-time and annual occurrences of frostbite were 44% and 2.2%, respectively (n = 2555). 2333 subjects (41%) had suffered first-degree freezing injury and 671 (12%) suffered severe injury at some time in their lives. The sites most prone to frostbite were the head, 1668 cases (31%), followed by the hands, 1154 (20%), and the feet, 810 (15%). The risk for frostbite in different body parts was increased among the subjects with CPWF (95% CI: 1.66 to 3.87), regular smokers (95% CI: 1.02 to 3.15) and those exposed to vibration (95% CI: 1.07 to 4.03). CONCLUSIONS: A synergistic increase of frostbite was reported between CPWF and regular smokers, and between CPWF and hand/arm vibration in both exposure classes analysed. The life-time occurrence of frostbite among young healthy men was high. Frostbite, and its association with CPWF, smoking and hand/arm vibration should be noted by the health care personnel in circumpolar countries.

Incidence of frostbite and ambient temperature in Finland, 1986-1995. A national study based on hospital admissions.

OBJECTIVES: The association of frostbite with ambient temperature in Finland is not known. The present study determined the incidence of frostbite and its association with sex, age and ambient temperature in a nationwide sample. STUDY DESIGN: The first admissions of all patients (n=1,275) admitted to hospital in Finland during the period 1986-1995 with frostbite as a principal or secondary diagnosis were associated with ambient temperature on the day of admission. RESULTS: The incidence of frostbite was 2.5 per 100,000 inhabitants, it was higher in males than females and increased linearly with age. The annual incidence of frostbite started to rise at below -15 degrees C and was considerable at under -20 degrees C, particularly in northern Finland. However, the daily incidence increased most in the urban area of Helsinki. CONCLUSION: In the north, the main factor is the large number of cold days in the year. The daily incidence may be affected by urban lifestyle, possibly fashion, and inability to protect oneself against the cold.