Frostbite (frostbite): symptoms, causes, drugs, etc. • hello healthy

Definition

What is frostbite (frostbite)?

Frostbite is a condition in which body tissue freezes and is damaged by exposure to low temperatures. Frostbite is a condition often referred to as frostbite and commonly occurs on the hands, feet, nose and ears.

Frostbite can be a very serious wound. This disease can take several weeks to recover. Patients can lose skin, fingers, and feet as well as deformities and discoloration of the skin. Frostbite can develop into hypothermia.

How common is frostbite (frostbite)?

Frostbite is a condition that anyone can experience. However, older children and older people are at a higher risk of getting frostbite than adults. Everyone's body is different. Always consult a doctor to treat your health condition.

Signs & symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of frostbite (frostbite)?

Frostbite is a condition that most commonly occurs on the fingers, toes, nose, ears, cheeks and chin. Frostbite signs and symptoms include cold, prickling skin, tingling sensation, numbness and, skin redness.

If detected and treated within this period of onset of symptoms, the patient will only experience slight swelling and peeling.

The second stage of this frostbite condition can manifest as skin turning pale and starting to turn white or light-colored. The surface of your skin may appear mottled, blue, or purple.

The patient can feel a stinging sensation, burning and swelling. When the skin gets frostbite, it can develop blisters and dead tissue that is black, blue or dark gray in color.

In the final stage, frostbite is a condition that affects all layers of the skin, including the tissue underneath. The patient will feel numb, loss of any cold, pain, or discomfort in the affected area.

The joints or body are no longer active. When skin is exposed to cold frostbite, large blisters appear after 24-48 hours. Then the area will turn black and hard like dead tissue.

There may be signs and symptoms not listed above. If you have concerns about a particular symptom, consult your doctor.

When should I see a doctor?

You will need to contact your doctor to check for the signs and symptoms of frostbite as described above. You can also check for other symptoms such as pale skin, numbness, swelling, redness, sharp pain.

You should seek emergency medical help if you think you have hypothermia, which is a condition in which the body suddenly loses heat more rapidly. Everyone's body is different.

Always consult a doctor to treat your health condition.

Cause

What causes frostbite (frostbite)?

The most common cause of frostbite is exposure to cold weather conditions, from direct contact with ice, cold metal, or very cold liquids.

Quoted from the Mayo Clinic, certain causes that cause frostbite are:

Wearing clothes unsuitable for cold air, does not protect the body against cold, wind or water.
Exposure to cold and strong wind for too long. The risk of frostbite sores increases when temperatures drop below -15 ° C, even if the wind is strong.
Exposure to materials such as ice, frozen materials, or frozen metals.

Risk factors

What increases my risk for frostbite (frostbite)?

Certain factors increase your risk of developing frostbite are:

Drinking alcoholic beverages
Loss of fluids
Use of beta-blockers (medicines for heart disease)
Smoke;
Having several diseases such as diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, peripheral neuropathy, and Raynaud's syndrome tends to increase the risk of frostbite.

Treatment

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

What are my treatment options for frostbite (frostbite)?

The best method of treating frostbite is prevention. Wear clothes that are appropriate for the weather and make sure children wear warm clothes in cold weather.

Drink lots of non-alcoholic fluids and caffeine. Limit exposure to cold air whenever possible.

If frostbite occurs, seek protection and warmth immediately. Soak skin in warm water that is 40 ° C. Don't use hot water, as hot water can make the wound worse.

If possible, warm all over, drink plenty of water and remove frostbite skin after warming it.

If blisters occur, do not soak the area. Use dry gauze bandages, clean the affected area and call emergency assistance

What are the usual tests for frostbite (frostbite)?

Your doctor will diagnose frostbite based on a history of use of the drug with a freezing temperature and an examination of the physical symptoms of your skin.

Your doctor may order tests such as x-rays, bone scans or imaging tests, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), to determine the severity of the frostbite and to check for uninjured bones or muscles.

Your doctor may run tests if he suspects you have hypothermia, which is a common condition when you have frostbite.

Home remedies

What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be used to treat frostbite (frostbite)?

Here are some lifestyle and home remedies that can help you deal with frostbite:

Limit your time outdoors in cold, damp, or windy weather. Pay attention to the weather forecast. In very cold and windy weather, exposed skin can develop frostbite in a matter of minutes.
Wear several layers of warm, loose clothing. The air trapped between the layers of clothing acts as an insulator against cold.
Wear a hat or headband that can cover your ears. Thick wool is one of the best cold protection.
Wear socks that fit properly. You may need to warm your hands and feet. Make sure that the foot warmers don't make your shoes too tight.
Watch for signs of frostbite. Early signs of frostbite include red or pale skin, feeling like a prickling, and numbness. Find a warm shelter immediately.
Make a plan to protect yourself. When traveling in cold weather, pack emergency supplies and warm clothing.
Don't drink alcohol if you plan on doing activities in cold weather. Cold drinks can make your body lose warmth quickly.
Eat a balanced diet and stay hydrated. You can do this before you even go outside in the cold.
Keep moving. Exercise can get the blood flowing and keep you warm.