What is frostitis commonly known as?

Frostitis is commonly referred to as chilblain. Chilblains occur as a response to cold temperatures combined with humidity, leading to inflammation of small blood vessels in the skin. They typically present as red, itchy, and swollen areas on the skin, commonly affecting extremities like fingers and toes after exposure to cold, damp conditions. Understanding frostitis as chilblain underscores the importance of recognizing the symptoms associated with cold exposure and the need for prompt treatment to alleviate discomfort and prevent further complications.

The other terms often associated with cold injuries have distinct characteristics: immersion foot refers specifically to prolonged exposure of the feet to cold water; frostbite involves actual freezing of the skin and underlying tissues, resulting in severe damage; and frostnip is a milder form of frostbite where only the outer layer of skin is affected, leading to temporary numbness and pallor without permanent damage. Recognizing these differences is essential in the context of sports medicine and injury prevention.