In the US, more than 180 million people in over 30 states are dealing with the unusual cold weather. Frostbite is one of the greatest threats facing anyone who ventures outside in temperatures below freezing. Plunging temperatures and wind chill are a direct threat to life and limb, especially for elders, small children, the chronically-ill, substance-abusers and individuals who stay out in the cold for long periods.
It only takes a few minutes in sub-zero weather for problems to occur. Experts state that exposed skin can freeze in 30 minutes when the temperature hits 20 degrees below zero. When the wind chill hits 30 below zero, frostbite can set in after 10 minutes.
Frostbite occurs when the cold outside slows circulation and tissue begins to die. The hands and feet are usually affected first. Frostbite can permanently damage the body and in severe cases lead to amputation.
FROSTBITE SYMPTOMS
Frostbite can be divided into two classifications -- superficial and deep.
In superficial frostbite, the first signs you may experience include burning, numbness, and tingling, itching, or cold sensations in the affected areas. The area appears white and frozen, but if you press on them, it will retain some resistance. Other early danger signs include ice crystals forming on skin, a feeling of warmth while skin is still frosted, skin may turn red or very pale. When these symptoms occur, medical attention is needed.
In deep frostbite, there is an initial decrease in sensation that is eventually completely lost. Swelling and blood-filled blisters are noted over white or yellowish skin that looks waxy and turns a purplish blue as it re-warms. The area is hard, has no resistance when pressed on, and may even appear blackened and dead.
You will experience significant pain as the areas are re-warmed and blood flow reestablished. A dull continuous ache transforms into a throbbing sensation in 2 to 3 days. This may last weeks to months until final tissue separation is complete.
At first the areas may appear deceptively healthy. Most people do not arrive at the doctor with frozen, dead tissue. Only time can reveal the final amount of tissue damage.
FROSTBITE PREVENTION
The first step in preventing frostbite is understanding whether you are at increased risk for the injury. Most cases of frostbite are seen in alcoholics, people with psychiatric illness, car accidents or car breakdowns in bad weather, and recreational drug misuse.
Drinking alcohol increases the chance of frostbite. Alcohol slows down the heart and blurs judgment of how cold the person really is. Smokers are more apt to experience spasms in blood vessels which interfere with circulation, thus increasing the threat of frostbite.
Wear at least three layers of clothing, even indoors. Layering the clothes provides and conserves more body heat than one thick garment. The layer closest to the body should be thin, made of polyester or similar material. The first thin layer should pull moisture from your skin. The next layers should be bulkier, providing more insulation.
Wool is a good material unless you are at risk of getting the wool soaked. Newer materials such as polyester pile are also recommended. For the outdoors, the top layer should resist rain, sleet or snow and have zippers for venting body heat when you get warm.
Wear a hat since some 40 percent of body heat escapes through the scalp. Make sure the cap covers your ears. Also, wear mittens rather than gloves because mittens keep hands warmer.
Immediately remove any clothing that gets wet and get into another layered outfit that is dry.
The outer layer of your clothing should be tightly woven, preferably wind resistant, to reduce body-heat loss caused by wind. Wool, silk or polypropylene inner layers of clothing hold more body heat than cotton.
Most important, stay dry as wet clothing chills the body rapidly. Excess perspiration will increase heat loss, so individuals should remove extra layers of clothing whenever they feel too warm.
FROSTBITE TREATMENT
Medical treatment for frostbite usually consists of re-warming the affected area. Prolonged exposure to the cold can result in significant destruction of tissue. Serious cases of frostbite can result in gangrene, leading to possible amputation of the affected body part.
First aid for frostbite includes removing the person from the cold setting. Handle the affected part gently to protect it from further injury. Do not rub the frostbitten part. Do not allow the victim to try to use the part, such as walking on frostbitten toes. Wrap the part in a dry, sterile dressing. Never put ice on frostbite. Re-warm the frostbitten body part only if hospital care is remote or unavailable. After re-warming, never let the part re-freeze.
When hypothermia or frostbite may have struck, call for trained, equipped help from your local ambulance service immediately.
Sources:
www.emedicinehealth.com
www.webmd.com
MC Ortega is the former publicist for the late Walter Payton and Coca-Cola. Ortega is a senior communications and messaging executive specializing in media relations, social media, program development and crisis communications. Also, Ortega is an avid traveler and international shopper. Ortega resides with her partner, Craig, dog, Fionne and extensive shoe collection. Ortega also enjoys jewelry design/production and flamenco dancing.