If, after prolonged exposure to freezing cold, the skin (especially on the hands, face and feet) appears white or grayish-yellow, has a waxy texture and feels cold and numb, or burns and itches, it is likely a sign of frostbite, a freezing of the epidermal layers and tissue. Severe frostbite can cause painful blistering and infection without immediate medical attention. Because treatment is long and sometimes painful, preventing frostbite is always advisable.
Prevention
You can usually prevent frostbite by following some sensible tips and preparing for cold exposure. Check weather forecasts before planning outdoor activities and avoid hikes and camping trips in extremely cold weather if possible. If you are going to be outside in cold temperatures for extended periods, make sure to dress appropriately. Cover your hands, feet, nose and ears with protective winter apparel and bundle up in loose, layered clothing. Try to avoid getting gloves, socks, hats and scarves wet, as this increases your chance of frostbite. Go indoors periodically to allow your skin to warm up. Avoid drinking alcohol before going out into the cold. Alcohol warms your body and you may not realize that your skin is getting too cold. Smoking cigarettes can reduce blood flow to your extremities and increase your risk of frostbite.
Treatment
If frostbite seems to have developed, get out of the cold as soon as possible. Seek emergency medical attention to minimize the risk of serious complications. Do not rub the affected skin, as this can damage the tissues. Put frostbitten hands under the arms to gently warm them. Cover face, ears and nose with dry, gloved hands. Protect extremities from the cold if there is no chance the skin will be refrozen before getting medical help. If the skin is refrozen, avoid warming it, as changing temperatures rapidly can drastically increase damage to your skin and underlying tissues. Do not warm the skin with a heating pad, stove or fireplace. This can heat the skin unevenly, and you may not realize how hot the skin is getting if it is numb from frostbite. Do not walk on frostbitten feet or toes if possible.
The hospital will usually hold frostbite victims for observation because it is difficult for medical personnel to diagnose the severity of frostbite in the first few hours. Hospital staff will warm the affected skin in water for 15 to 30 minutes and lance blisters filled with clear or milky pus. You will wear a splint over the affected area, which will be bandaged and elevated. Emergency medical personnel usually give frostbitten patients ibuprofen to relieve swelling, antibiotics to prevent and treat infection and tetanus toxoid to prevent a tetanus infection. You may receive narcotic painkillers at the hospital for severe pain.
Whirlpool and physical therapy will help encourage circulation to frostbitten areas after the hospital staff has had a chance to assess the severity of skin damage. In severe cases where skin and underlying tissues are dead, amputation may be necessary.
Tags: your skin, affected skin, medical attention, medical personnel, skin getting, skin underlying, skin underlying tissues
