Frost Bite

The skin as well as the tissues that is present around the skin freeze because of low temperature. This condition is known as frostbite. Anybody who exposes himself to a temperature below freezing and does not possess enough protection will develop frostbites. People like hikers, climbers, sailors and skiers are more exposed to this condition of frost bites.

It affects any body part but the most affected one are the toes, ears, fingers, nose and penis. The crystals of ice which form on the skin, cause damage to the skin. This occurs due to the expansion and rupturing of the cells. The arteries supplying oxygen and blood to the area affected become closed. This also causes the damaging of the tissues.

Symptoms

The initial stages of frostbites is characterised by needles and pins, aching or throbbing in the area affected. The extremities of our body like the ears, nose, fingers as well as toes are the regions which are subjected to most of the frostbites. The skin of the areas affected appears white in colour and cold. One may also have a sensation of tingling. This sensation of tingling is termed frostnip.

If a person is subjected to a long time exposure to weather which has temperatures below the freezing point, the damage that happens to the tissues will be very severe.

The areas where the frostbites develop become hard, numb and white in colour. The thawing out of the tissue will cause the skin to become blisters and red coloured. The area will also develop pain. Once the area develops warmth, one may even feel itching and swelling in the area.

Frostbites that are very severe give the skin a waxy look. The tissues in this condition will give a wooden or frozen feeling. A person may suffer from damage of the muscles, nerves, tendons and bones. If the person does not take any proper treatment, the tissues may become black or blue in colour and even die. This is termed gangrene.

Causes

The usual cause of frostbite is exposure to a temperature lower than the freezing point. The other causes of frostbites are as given below:

• Weather conditions which are very severe like blizzards.
• chill wind
• the clothing used is not proper
• the clothing used is completely wet
• The exposure to cold for a very long period of time.
• The presence of humidity in the air.

Under this condition, the tissues do not get the adequate oxygen supply due to the freezing of the skin causing the development of blood clots.

Treatment

One should avail medical treatment as soon as possible if he or she develops frostbites. If immediate medical care is not feasible, then the following steps may be followed for relief from frostbites:

• Move the toes and fingers affected by the frostbites to improve the circulation of blood to the affected areas.
• Remove the wet clothing, if any.
• The body must be kept warm as much as possible using blankets or sleeping bags.
• The areas affected by the frostbites must be covered with clean bandages after warming the area.

One can go in for physiotherapy to improve the circulation. If gangrene has developed, then amputation is required.