What to do with signs of frostbite: first aid
Frostbite – damage to body tissues as a result of low temperatures. With a cold injury, the skin first becomes cold and red, then loses sensitivity and turns pale. Most often, the nose, auricles, cheeks, chin, fingers and toes are frostbitten. Open skin areas are most sensitive in cold and windy weather. But parts of the body covered with clothing can be frostbitten - for example, hands in gloves. Frostbite can cause serious damage, and in severe cases lead to amputation. Therefore, it is important to know what not to do when fingers and toes are frostbitten, so as not to harm the victim.
Degrees of frostbite
The body reacts to the action of low temperatures with a reflex spasm of peripheral blood vessels. Cold also affects tissues directly - their temperature decreases, local metabolism is disturbed.
There are four degrees of frostbite:
- I degree – superficial skin damage. The skin on frostbitten parts of the body first turns red, then gradually turns pale, they lose sensitivity, and tingling sensations appear. After warming up, the skin becomes red and swollen. A week after frostbite, the skin on the affected area may peel off.
- II degree – severe blood circulation disorders are observed, but the changes in the vessels are reversed. Pale skin becomes crimson when warmed up, swelling is noted outside the frostbitten areas, bubbles with liquid appear.
- III degree – develops under the influence of very low temperatures or prolonged cooling. All layers of the skin and partially deeper tissues are drawn in, blood circulation is disrupted. After rewarming, the skin acquires a blue-purple or black color, there is a complete loss of sensitivity, which is replaced by severe pains.
- IV degree – is manifested by the death of all soft tissues, sometimes bones.
Clinical recommendations for the treatment of frostbite of various degrees are determined taking into account the general condition of the patient. Children are especially vulnerable. Frostbite can occur in a child even at zero temperature - wind, high air humidity, together with wet clothes increase heat loss by the body. The general state of health of the child is also important. Babies with skin diseases are more at risk of frostbite. Parents should know that in case of frostbite in children's cheeks, it is necessary to react immediately. You should bring the child into a warm room, give him hot tea, put a napkin soaked in warm water to his face, or warm his cheeks with warm hands.
Medical assistance for frostbite
What to do with signs of frostbite? Call an ambulance immediately. Only a doctor can determine the degree of damage and the general condition of the patient. Medical aid for frostbite consists in the urgent transportation of the victim to a warm room. With a mild degree of frostbite, you can immerse the affected area in warm (but not hot!) water. First aid for frostbite also includes hot drinks and food. If necessary, the victim is helped to remove frozen shoes and gloves.
Medical aid for frostbite is aimed at restoring blood circulation in the frostbitten part of the body as soon as possible. At the I-II degree, warm-up is carried out in warm water. Providing assistance with frostbite also includes a light massage (if there are bubbles with liquid on the skin, massage is prohibited), application of a dry sterile bandage. Antitetanus serum and antibiotics are administered to prevent infections in II-IV degrees of frostbite. Actions after frostbite of the facial skin of the II degree: blisters with liquid are opened, dead tissues are removed and an aseptic bandage is applied. With frostbite of the III-IV degree, surgical excision of dead tissue is necessary.
It is better to prevent frostbite. Dressing for the weather and taking the necessary precautions during extremely cold weather can reduce the risk of frostbite. Read more about how to protect yourself and your child from frostbite on our website Dobrobut.com.
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