Frostbite occurs when the skin becomes frozen. This condition produces great damage and needs immediate treatment to prevent necrosis of the tissues. With this information, individuals will learn more about frostbite, including the symptoms and treatments. Those who want to learn about this topic should continue reading.
What Is Frostbite and What Causes It?
Frostbite is a type of skin injury caused by freezing of the skin and underlying tissues. There are multiple stages of frostbite, according to realtimecampaign.com. The first stage is called frostnip. In this initial stage, there is no skin damage. As continued exposure occurs, the skin and tissues begin to freeze, and damage occurs rapidly.
What is frostbite, and how does it occur? Frostbite occurs because of exposure to extreme cold. This skin injury can also occur because of direct exposure to very cold liquids, ice, or frozen metals. The longer the exposure time, the greater the damage.
What Are the Symptoms of Frostbite
Knowing the symptoms of frostbite is essential for people who spend time in the cold. Unfortunately, individuals often do not realize they have frostbite until it is too late. The following are the most common symptoms. Those who suffer frostbite injuries need care from BRCA.
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The first symptoms are minor and consist of a cold and prickly feeling on the skin.
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Eventually, numbness will start to occur.
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The skin will begin to change color, including blue, yellow, purplish, ashen, or brown, depending on the severity of the exposure.
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A person’s skin will begin feeling hard and will look waxy.
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People will experience clumsiness because of joint and muscle stiffness.
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Once the area begins rewarming, it will often become blistered.
Where Does Frostbite Commonly Occur?
Frostbite injuries can occur anywhere on the body but are most common in the following areas.
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Fingers
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Toes
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Ears
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Cheeks
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Chin
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Nose
Unfortunately, many people do not realize they have frostbite because of the numbness that occurs as the tissues start to freeze. Some people may not notice they have frostbite injuries until someone else points them out.
When Should Frostbite Victims See a Doctor?
For frostnip, there is no reason for treatment. The area does not become damaged, and sensations are restored as soon as rewarming occurs. People should seek medical care right away if they notice any of the following.
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Changes in coloration, difficulty with movement, and blistering
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Increased pain, swelling, and inflammation in the affected area
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Fever and chills
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New symptoms that are unexplainable
It is important to seek emergency medical care if a person is shivering, has slurred speech, and is drowsy. These are signs of hypothermia which can become life-threatening.
Protect Against Frostbite
Wearing warm clothing and protecting the extremities are essential for the prevention of frostbite. People should also make sure they come out of the cold often and get warmed thoroughly before going back out again.
Frostbite most often occurs on exposed areas of the skin. Keeping these areas covered will help to protect internal temperatures and prevent frostbite injury damage. If frostbite does occur, seeking immediate medical care becomes necessary.
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