Frostbite
Frostbite is a condition in which the skin and underlying tissues freeze and are damaged due to exposure to freezing temperatures. Commonly affected areas include the feet, hands (especially the fingers), nose, and ears. Frostbite ranges in severity. Mild damage may be reversible, but severe frostbite may result in permanent tissue death.
When your skin is exposed to cold for a long period of time, the underlying tissues may freeze and suffer permanent damage. This condition is called frostbite. Commonly affected areas include the feet, hands (especially the fingers), nose, and ears. People with poor circulation, the elderly, people with poorly controlled diabetes, and people with alcoholism are at greater risk for frostbite. Frostbite …show more content…
• Blisters that may be filled with blood.
• Black, blue, or dark gray skin.
DIAGNOSIS
Frostbite This condition is diagnosed when based on a physical examination and the history of exposure to freezing temperatures.areas of the skin appear gray or pale and feel hard. There may be a lack of feeling in the area, or there may be severe pain. As the frostbitten part warms, a red color may return to the area, and there is usually increased pain. When frostbite is present there may also be hypothermia, a drop in body temperature to 95°F (35°C) or lower. Hypothermia is diagnosed by taking the person’s temperature.
TREATMENT
This condition may be treated by:When frostbite is present there may also be hypothermia. This is a drop in the temperature of the entire body. It is important to check the temperature and make sure it is normal (98.6°F [37°C]). It is important to warm frostbitten parts as soon as possible to avoid permanent damage. The following steps can be taken to help:
• Getting out of the cold as soon as possible.
• Warming up the frostbitten area and the entire …show more content…
• Keep clothes dry.
• Keep your body moving when you are in freezing temperatures. This will help your blood circulation.
•
• • Avoid alcohol. This increases heat loss and increases chances of frostbite.
• • Avoid smoking. Nicotine causes blood vessels to constrict in your hands and feet.
• • Plan ahead and limit exposure to freezing temperatures and windchill. o Pack food when you plan to be in the cold. Increasing your caloric intake to a high level increases your internal heat. o • Carry extra blankets and clothing in the car during cold weather. o • Be aware of the windchill factor and dress accordingly. Wind is an important factor that can increase the risk of frostbite. Avoid high winds when low temperatures are presentthe temperature is low.
•
• • Always avoid situations where it is impossible to get out of the cold if needed.
• At the first signs of frostbite (numbness, pain, extreme redness), you should immediately get out of the cold.
SEEK MEDICAL CARE IF:
HOME CARE INSTRUCTIONS
• If bandages (dressings) were applied, change them as
Frostbite is a condition in which the skin and underlying tissues freeze and are damaged due to exposure to freezing temperatures. Commonly affected areas include the feet, hands (especially the fingers), nose, and ears. Frostbite ranges in severity. Mild damage may be reversible, but severe frostbite may result in permanent tissue death.
When your skin is exposed to cold for a long period of time, the underlying tissues may freeze and suffer permanent damage. This condition is called frostbite. Commonly affected areas include the feet, hands (especially the fingers), nose, and ears. People with poor circulation, the elderly, people with poorly controlled diabetes, and people with alcoholism are at greater risk for frostbite. Frostbite …show more content…
• Blisters that may be filled with blood.
• Black, blue, or dark gray skin.
DIAGNOSIS
Frostbite This condition is diagnosed when based on a physical examination and the history of exposure to freezing temperatures.areas of the skin appear gray or pale and feel hard. There may be a lack of feeling in the area, or there may be severe pain. As the frostbitten part warms, a red color may return to the area, and there is usually increased pain. When frostbite is present there may also be hypothermia, a drop in body temperature to 95°F (35°C) or lower. Hypothermia is diagnosed by taking the person’s temperature.
TREATMENT
This condition may be treated by:When frostbite is present there may also be hypothermia. This is a drop in the temperature of the entire body. It is important to check the temperature and make sure it is normal (98.6°F [37°C]). It is important to warm frostbitten parts as soon as possible to avoid permanent damage. The following steps can be taken to help:
• Getting out of the cold as soon as possible.
• Warming up the frostbitten area and the entire …show more content…
• Keep clothes dry.
• Keep your body moving when you are in freezing temperatures. This will help your blood circulation.
•
• • Avoid alcohol. This increases heat loss and increases chances of frostbite.
• • Avoid smoking. Nicotine causes blood vessels to constrict in your hands and feet.
• • Plan ahead and limit exposure to freezing temperatures and windchill. o Pack food when you plan to be in the cold. Increasing your caloric intake to a high level increases your internal heat. o • Carry extra blankets and clothing in the car during cold weather. o • Be aware of the windchill factor and dress accordingly. Wind is an important factor that can increase the risk of frostbite. Avoid high winds when low temperatures are presentthe temperature is low.
•
• • Always avoid situations where it is impossible to get out of the cold if needed.
• At the first signs of frostbite (numbness, pain, extreme redness), you should immediately get out of the cold.
SEEK MEDICAL CARE IF:
HOME CARE INSTRUCTIONS
• If bandages (dressings) were applied, change them as