Which description corresponds to 2nd-degree frostbite?

Which description corresponds to 2nd-degree frostbite?

• A. Formation of clear bullae, numbness followed by aching and throbbing
• B. Partial thickness skin freezing with erythema and edema
• C. Freezing extends into muscle
• D. Erythema and warmth only

Answer: (A)

Frostbite is categorized by how deep the freezing injury goes into the skin and underlying tissues. Second-degree frostbite involves partial-thickness skin freezing, which manifests as clear fluid-filled blisters (bullae) and damage that does not extend into deeper structures like muscle. The numbness you feel at the outset comes from cold-induced sensory disruption, and as the tissue thaws, pain or aching and throbbing often develop as nerves become irritated and nerve endings regain function. The presence of clear bullae specifically signals superficial partial-thickness injury, distinguishing it from deeper frostbite that produces hemorrhagic blisters or actual tissue necrosis into muscle or bone. In contrast, blistering with only erythema and warmth would indicate a milder or different phase, not the classic second-degree picture. So the description of clear bullae with numbness followed by aching/throbbing best matches second-degree frostbite.

Frostbite is categorized by how deep the freezing injury goes into the skin and underlying tissues. Second-degree frostbite involves partial-thickness skin freezing, which manifests as clear fluid-filled blisters (bullae) and damage that does not extend into deeper structures like muscle. The numbness you feel at the outset comes from cold-induced sensory disruption, and as the tissue thaws, pain or aching and throbbing often develop as nerves become irritated and nerve endings regain function. The presence of clear bullae specifically signals superficial partial-thickness injury, distinguishing it from deeper frostbite that produces hemorrhagic blisters or actual tissue necrosis into muscle or bone. In contrast, blistering with only erythema and warmth would indicate a milder or different phase, not the classic second-degree picture. So the description of clear bullae with numbness followed by aching/throbbing best matches second-degree frostbite.