[Frostbite due to recreational nitrous oxide use].

BACKGROUND

There is a new type of injury that is observed increasingly often: frostbite of the thighs that has occurred as result of holding a cylinder containing nitrous oxide in position between the legs during recreational use of said substance. Because skin symptoms are often mild in the first few days after the event, the severity of the injury is often not recognized. However, patients can suffer serious scarring from this type of injury.

CASE DESCRIPTION

We present two cases involving young patients who were referred to the burns unit with lesions sustained through nitrous oxide use. Upon inspection we observed deep frostbite wounds, which necessitated operative treatment. The patients had to undergo multiple operations and remained under our care for management of their scars.

CONCLUSION

It is important to recognize this injury and to consult one of the burns units to treat these patients in a timeline and appropriate manner.