The occurrence of frostbite and its risk factors in young men.
OBJECTIVE
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.
Ervasti
Otso
O
VR-Group Ltd, Helsinki, Finland.
Juopperi
Kimmo
K
Kettunen
Päivi
P
Remes
Jouko
J
Rintamäki
Hannu
H
Latvala
Jari
J
Pihlajaniemi
Raimo
R
Linna
Tapani
T
Hassi
Juhani
J
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005387:Finland / Q000453:epidemiology; D005627:Frostbite / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology*; D006225:Hand; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012307:Risk Factors; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects; D014732:Vibration / Q000009:adverse effects