HOW TO PREVENT & TREAT FROSTBITE
Frostbite can affect any part of the body that is exposed to extremely cold temperatures, but it most commonly “gets” the nose, ears, fingers, and toes. If only the skin and underlying tissues are damaged, complete recovery is possible. If, however, blood vessels are affected, the damage is permanent.
Relatively mild forms of frostbite can occur suddenly in very cold weather when you are shoveling snow or taking a walk. It is important that you know not only how to treat frost bite, but how to avoid it altogether. Here are several tips from some medical experts.
1) Know the symptoms— the first symptoms usually include a pins-and-needles sensation followed by complete numbness. The skin will most likely appear white, cold and hard, and then become red and swollen. Following warming of the tissue, peeling and blistering may occur.
2) Stay out of the wind— your exposure to extreme cold is made worse if it is also windy. Wind-chill factors play an important role in contributing to frostbite.
3) Take advantage of your own body heat— you can warm your fingers and hands by placing them under your armpits. This is a measure you can use if you can’t get indoors right away.
5) Avoid alcohol and smoking— in the case of frostbite, instead of making you warm, alcohol actually causes you to lose more heat. Smoking only makes your extremities more vulnerable to the cold by reducing circulation.
6) Don’t rub frostbite with snow or ice.
7) Don’t touch metal— if you touch freezing metal with your bare hand your skin may freeze to the metal and tear badly when you pull it away.
Dress for the cold— wear several layers of light clothing rather than one bulky or heavy garment.
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