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.

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.