First Aid For A Frostbite

Fact Checked

Overview Of A Frostbite

• A frostbite is harm caused by severe cold to the skin
• At -15C or below, the blood vessels tighten to conserve body heat
• When this condition continues, tissue damage occurs
• Frostbite generally affects tissues which are secluded from the heart
• It also transpires in tissues that are most exposed to icy conditions
• The body organs that are generally affected are –
  a. Fingers
  b. Toes
  c. Nose
  d. Ears
• Care should be taken to avoid eternal tissue damage

Risk Factors – Frostbite

• Diabetes
• Peripheral neuropathy
• Use of beta-blockers

Symptoms

• Discoloration of the skin
• Skin appears loose
• Tingling or fiery feeling
• Partial or total numbness

In serious cases:

• Gangrene may occur followed by amputation

Treatment For Frostbites

Get medical assistance as soon as possible. In the meantime

• Enfold the affected region using a fresh cloth

If no medical assistance is available

• Move the victim to a warm place
• Treat hypothermia first. Cover the person well
• Keep the frost-bitten site in warm but not in hot water
• This should be done till sensations returns

Steps to Avoid

• Do not stroke or massage the affected region
• Keep away from treatment if a second round of cold exposure is expected
• Treatment followed by freezing produces extensive harm

Prevention For Frostbites

• Avoid:
  Excessive cold
  b. Wet clothing
  c. Cold wind
• During icy weather, wear quite a few layers of clothes
• Wear extras such as:
  Mittens, not gloves
  b. Two pairs of socks
  c. Scarf that covers your ears
• Get sufficient food and sleep
• Keep away from alcohol right before contact with the cold
• Keep away from cotton clothing

Related Video On Frostbite
[youtube_advanced url=”http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZ85WHTIAl4″]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZ85WHTIAl4[/youtube_advanced]