According to controlled laboratory experiments, the gas from a typical deodorant spray can reduce skin temperature by up to sixty degrees Celsius.

However, if contact with the aerosol is prolonged the skin will freeze further and deeper layers of tissue will be affected, causing a more serious burn that reaches the dermis, destroys nerves, and increases the risk of infection and scarring.

The most common cause of aerosol burns is patients' spraying deodorants for prolonged periods of time in close proximity to their skin.

A person can cause frostbite by accidental prolonged contact, using an aerosol on one place for too long.

Household aerosol products such as air fresheners and deodorants can be a convenient, easily available means to satisfy the compulsions.

There are documented cases using both conservative and invasive treatments, including skin grafting and/or the application of nonadhesive dressing alongside topical corticosteroids to reduce inflammation.

In some patients postinflammatory hypopigmentation or hyperpigmentation may result in the months after initial injury, and ultraviolet protection such as sunscreen is essential to prevent an elevated risk of skin cancer in the damaged tissues.