Frostbites

Proven content

Frostbites are local changes caused by low temperature, mainly atmospheric air. High humidity and wind can also contribute to the formation of frostbites. The fingers and toes, as well as the ears and nose are the most common frostbites. Taking into account the severity of changes and damage, we distinguish three degrees of frostbite.

Frostbite – definition

Frostbites are temporary or reversible tissue damage to formation that is influenced by temperatures below zero degrees Celsius (although frostbites can occur even at temperatures above freezing). Low temperature stops blood flow in the blood vessels in which the skin and muscles are supplied, among others. Frostbite causes total or temporary damage to chilled parts of the body. The formation of frostbite accelerates the wearing of wet shoes, being under the influence of alcohol, and even hunger and fatigue.

Causes of frostbite

In addition to cold air, wind and moisture also contribute to the formation of frostbites. They are very good heat conductors, which allow the tissues to cool down very quickly, even at positive temperatures, e.g. from +2 to + 6 ° C. On the other hand, dry cold air is carried away with less damage. An example may be participants of polar expeditions who endure temperatures down to -50 ° C without harm.

Frostbites mainly affect peripheral parts of the body, such as the ears, nose, fingers and toes. The frostbite of the lower limbs is largely due to, among others, wearing soaked or tight footwear and the involuntary lack of exercise that hinders the body’s heat production. The following also has a very negative impact:

1. fatigue,
2. hunger,
3. anemia,
4. diabetes,
5. old age (decreased cardiovascular capacity),
6. the effects of alcohol or drugs (the proper feeling and reaction to cold are impaired),
7. blood vessel ailments,
8. wind (intensifies the effect of low temperature),
9. peripheral neuropathy (damage to small nerves, e.g. due to a vitamin deficiency).

If your skin is suffering from frostbite, you need to take care of it properly. For this purpose, order Mediskin Medisil Cream, a hypoallergenic regenerating cream for irritation.

Frostbites – symptoms

Before frostbite occurs, there is a stinging and burning sensation in the affected part of the body, which quickly becomes completely insensitive and takes on a chalky white color. Over time, the color of the affected area changes to purple-violet and swelling appears.

Chilled skin is red and painful. Minor frostbites are characterized by dry skin and severe pain, while when the lesions are more severe, the skin turns pale, it leads to sensory disturbances and numbness. In the case of a sinophilic discoloration of the skin, immediately seek emergency care. In case of more severe damage, it may be necessary to administer anti-tetanus serum (damage from the second degree upwards). Regardless of what kind of frostbite we are dealing with – each one should be checked by a doctor.

Soothing in case of frostbite, you can use Mediskin Medisil Cream, hypoallergenic regenerating cream for irritation, which is available at a favorable price on Medonet Market.

Types of frostbite

Depending on the severity of the lesions and the appearance of the damaged area, there are three degrees of frostbite.

1. Grade I – After fading for a short time, there is redness with a slightly bluish tinge, swelling, burning and a feeling of numbness. It is a consequence of temporary circulatory disorders and acute inflammation.
2. Stage II – is characterized by the formation of blisters containing serous fluid or serous fluid with an admixture of blood. Swelling and bruising are much greater than in first-degree frostbite. Second degree frostbites leave behind long-lasting swelling and discoloration of the skin.
3. Stage III – is characterized by necrosis of the skin, sometimes also of tissues that are deeper (including bone). After the separation of the necrotic parts, cavities are formed which heal by granulation.
4. Stage IV – frostbites affect the entire body part (e.g. finger and bones). The fourth degree frostbite can be so serious that it is often impossible to save the affected organ.

Remember that changes in tissues develop quite slowly under the influence of cold and we can only see them fully after a few hours.

Frostbite – first aid and treatment

First aid for frostbite, especially when the frostbitten part of the body is still pale, includes the possible quick restoration of blood circulation in it. For this purpose, we use quick heating of the affected limb at increasingly higher temperature or heating with towels. Start heating with water at a temperature of 25–30 ° C, to increase it up to 38–40 ° C after several minutes. This type of procedure should be used until the tissues have obtained the appropriate temperature.

When heating frostbitten parts of the body, an unpleasant tingling and burning sensation (sometimes very painful) may appear. After bathing, you can gently rub the frostbitten places with a small amount of 70 percent. ethyl alcohol until the skin turns pink. Then it is recommended to put on a sterile dressing with a thick layer of cotton wool. With the limbs wrapped in this manner, the patient should be transported to the hospital.

Attention! Do not rub the frostbitten parts of the body with snow or cold water, as this may cause more negative effects than good due to damage to the frozen tissues. In case of frostbite, it is also recommended to eat warm drinks / watery food. In case of frostbite from the second degree and upwards, anti-tetanus serum should be applied.

St. John’s Wort is a soothing and astringent treatment for frostbite. We also recommend Sea Buckthorn Oil for burns, frostbite, atopy and dry skin available on Medonet Market.

How can frostbite be prevented?

1. Wear warm and dry clothes. It should provide us with proper insulation and allow sweat to evaporate.

2. It is a good idea to wear a few layers of slightly looser clothes under the outer garment.

3. Protect hands and feet against moisture and cold (eg wear thick socks, gloves).

4. The head should be shielded to prevent too much heat loss.

5. Lubricate the exposed parts of the body with a greasy cream. Mediskin Baby Diaper Cream for children with diaper rash can be used prophylactically or as an auxiliary in the treatment of frostbite, which is perfect for the care of skin exposed to extreme temperatures.

6. Remember that exercise in the fresh air supports blood circulation, which at the same time prevents frostbite.