Read - frostbite

Frostbite

Frostbite is freezing of the skin and tissues below the skin. It occurs from prolonged exposure to temperatures of 32?F (0?C) or lower. The extent of frostbite depends on the type and length of cold exposure, the temperature, the windchill, and the humidity. The most common sites for frostbite are the feet, hands, ears, nose, and face. Men may develop frostbite of the genitals if they are not properly protected.

Health professionals rate frostbite by degree of severity:

First-degree frostbite
First-degree frostbite is partial freezing of the outer layers of skin. Signs and symptoms include:

    * Tingling, stinging, or burning pain.
    * Red skin (erythema) or, less often, the skin may look white, yellow, or mottled blue instead of red.
    * Mild swelling.
    * No blisters.

Second-degree frostbite
Second-degree frostbite is freezing of all layers of the skin. Signs and symptoms include:

    * Numbness followed by aching and throbbing pain.
    * Hard and frozen outer skin (tissue underneath is normal).
    * Blistering with clear or milky fluid inside the blisters (begins within 6 to 24 hours).
    * Red, swollen skin around blistered skin.

Third-degree frostbite
Third-degree frostbite includes freezing of deep layers of skin and tissues below the skin. Signs and symptoms include:

    * White, blotchy, or blue-gray skin.
    * Hard and frozen skin that ?feels like a block of wood.?
    * Blistering that looks like blood blisters.
    * Numbness followed by burning, throbbing, or shooting pain.

Fourth-degree frostbite
Fourth-degree frostbite includes freezing of muscles, tendons, and bones. Signs and symptoms include:

    * Mottled red or blue skin that turns dry, black, rubbery (mummified). This can also be a late sign of third-degree frostbite.
    * Little or no swelling.
    * Blisters that may appear as small bloody spots under the skin.
    * Deep, aching joint pain.

During re-warming, the frostbitten area may be very painful. After re-warming the skin, swelling and blistering commonly occur. Frostbite treatment focuses on rapid re-warming of the frostbitten area, relieving pain, and preventing complications such as infection, tissue death, and amputation.

What frostbite treatments are suggested in helping injury heal?
Do not expose the affected area to cold temperature until advised by physician. Watch for signs of infection such as redness, fever, swelling or red streaks on the skin. Take all medications that your doctor has provided for you for treatment. Avoid infection by leaving blisters alone. All these frostbite treatment measures will be helpful in the healing process.

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