Which condition involves only the skin and subcutaneous tissue?

Superficial frostbite involves only the skin and subcutaneous tissue, making it the correct answer. This condition occurs when skin and adjacent tissue freeze, resulting in symptoms such as numbness, pain, and discoloration. The affected area may develop a waxy appearance, and while there can be some blistering, the damage is not as profound as in deeper forms of frostbite, which affect underlying tissues like muscles and bones. Understanding the layers of tissue affected is crucial for effective treatment and guiding recovery, as superficial frostbite can often be managed with simple warming techniques, whereas deeper frostbite requires more intensive medical intervention.

In contrast, other conditions like deep frostbite extend beyond the skin and subcutaneous tissue into the deeper tissues, potentially leading to more severe complications. Chilblains, although affecting the skin, do not encompass the same extent of freezing damage as superficial frostbite, often presenting as painful inflammation rather than tissue death. Frost nip is a milder form of cold injury that typically does not cause permanent damage and affects only the skin without freezing the deeper layers. Each of these conditions has distinct characteristics based on the layers of tissue affected, which is key in distinguishing between them.