Epidemiology
No standard method exists for reporting, so the precise epidemiology is unknown. Frostbite is rare in the US except in the northernmost states. Historically, frostbite has been common among combatants in armed conflicts. It is currently most often described in the setting of alpinism and winter activities such as snowmobiling, hunting, winter camping, and other outdoor recreation and exploration activities. Cases have been reported in athletes using ice packs after exercise and as a result of cryotherapy for wart removal.[6][7][8] It most commonly afflicts men ages 30 to 49 years, attributable more to their activities than to their physiology.[1][9][10][11] Homeless people are also susceptible to frostbite.
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