Dealing With Frostnip And Frostbite During The Winter
Frostnip and frostbite can only occur when the temperature is at freezing or below. Wind chill can result in a faster acquisition of these conditions, but will not cause them unless the temperature is low enough. Frostbite occurs because certain parts of the body have been exposed for too long a period to the cold. Those who work outside during the winter, or those who engage in winter sports such as skiing, sledding, or ice skating will be most at risk for developing these conditions. When the body is exposed to the cold for a long period of time, it will eventually begin to draw the blood back towards the body’s core as a way to protect the vital organs such as the brain, heart, kidneys, and lungs. However, when this occurs, it means that less blood and warmth will be available for the extremities. A combination of low external temperature and less circulation of blood will mean that the hands and fingers, feet, and nose will be at risk of frostnip or frostbite. Inadequate heating in the home, especially in older people, and the use of alcohol all increase the possibility of frostbite occurring.
Frostbite Symptoms
Frostbite is generally classified as having three stages of progression:- Frostnip
- Superficial Frostbite
- Deep Frostbite
Frostnip is the least dangerous of the frost conditions and affects only the uppermost layers of the skin. The skin will appear mottled red and white and at first there will be no pain. Ice will form around, but not in, the cells. As the area cools, however, there will be constriction of the blood vessels and less oxygen and warmth will reach the area. Frostnip, if caught at this stage, is treatable at home, although the affected part will be sensitive to cold for months afterwards.
Superficial frostbite is the next step in the progression and at this point, the cold has penetrated further in and is affecting the underlying layers of tissue. Damage is still not severe, and the skin appears white or grey and is hard to the touch. Ice will continue to grow in the spaces between the cells and begins to cause dehydration as water is drawn from the cells and tissues and turns to ice. This causes cellular damage and can cause cell and tissue death if allowed to continue without treatment. Blisters will usually form within a day or two.
Deep frostbite is a very serious condition and ice will form farther into the body, sometimes even affecting the bones. Nerves will be destroyed and no blood will be reaching the area as all the veins and capillaries are frozen. The tissue is dead and the area will turn black. Deep frostbite is a serious medical condition that requires professional medical care.
Treating Frostnip And Frostbite At Home
As long as only frostnip is present, it can be given first aid treatment at home. Get the person who has frostnip into a warm environment and remove all wet clothing to begin with. Place the affected part in a container of warm water. If the nose has been frostnipped, use warm compresses. Do not use hot water or a hair dryer to try to warm frostnip, it is easy to get a burn when the nerves are unable to send proper signals to the brain. Replenish the water when it cools. Do not rub the area with snow, do not rub it at all as this can cause tissue damage. As the frostnipped spot revives, it is often quite painful, so administer pain relievers.
Frostbite, both superficial and deep, will require medical attention. If there will be a wait until the attention is available, treat both conditions as you would frostnip. Blisters should not be broken. In many cases, medical observation will have to extend over a period of time to assess whether the damage is repairing itself. Gangrene is always a possibility when there has been cellular and tissue death, so amputation is sometimes necessary.
Preventing Frostbite
Dressing warmly when going outside during the winter is always important, and wearing a hat over a balaclava will not only protect the face, but will hold more heat in the body. If the weather is extremely cold, especially if there is a wind, restrict outside activities to no more than 10 or 15 minutes. Taking some time to warm up periodically can prevent frostnip and frostbite. Children should not be allowed out to play in the snow if the temperature is below 20 F, and parents should check them periodically to make sure that mittens and outerwear are not wet.
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