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Signs of frostbite

Just like water turns to ice, fingers, hands, toes, feet and even your ears and nose can freeze.

The phenomenon is known as frostbite and can occur in as little as five minutes in severely frigid weather. Unfortunately, some folks don’t even realize they are getting frostbite until its too late since the area becomes numb.

So what do you look for?

In the early stages of frostbite the skin turns pale yellow or white and may itch, burn, sting or feel like pins and needles.

Once it gets to the intermediate stage, the skin becomes hard and the skin looks shiny or waxy. When the skin thaws, blisters filled with fluid or blood will appear.

By the time you get to the advanced stage of frostbite your skin will be very hard and cold to the touch. The flesh will darken quickly and may look blue. In fact, the skin will turn black.

If it does turn black, chances are the finger or toe or other body part may not be able to be saved, setting the stage for amputation.

There are two things doctors say not to do when it comes to frostbite – do not rub the area and do not submerge in hot water. Water temperatures between 104 and 107 degrees is best, but anything warmer can cause further damage.

The best course of action is prevention.

Proper clothing is paramount, loose layers, hats with earflaps and insulated gloves. Avoid tight clothing as this can raise the risk of frostbite. And don’t forget your feet. Wool socks and waterproof boots are the best protection.

Another winter worry is hypothermia.

Between 2003 and 2013, the Centers for Disease Control reported 13,400 deaths from hypothermia.

Our bodies generate heat by shivering when its cold outside. If the heat loss is too great, our core temerature will fall from the average 98 degrees.

If that temperature becomes too low, we have the onset of hypothermia.

It is at this point our blood begins moving from our extremities, ie: fingers, toes, skin, to our vital organs, the heart and lungs.

Recognizing the symptoms of hypothermia may be a bit difficult at first, but the mild case will begin with dizziness and shivering, hunger and nausea, an increase in your breathing and difficulty speaking. Other signs include a lack of coordination, tiredness and an increase in your heartrate.

Moderate to severe symptoms include shivering, however, as the hypothermia worsens, the shivering actually stops. Coordination difficulties become worse and speech becomes slurred along with significant confusiom.

Other symptoms are drowsiness and a feeling of apathy or a lack of concern. It is at this point that many lay down, fall asleep and pass away.

Something odd that may occur is called paradoxical undressing. That is where, even though they are freezing, the person will actually undress.

Infants should be watched particularly closely as they cannot shiver to keep themselves warm.

Their symptoms are a bit different, with bright red skin that is cold and they will exhibit low energy and have a weak cry.

One thing to keep in mind is that body heat is lost more quickly in the water than on land. Water at 50 degrees or below can cause death within an hour and water at freezing, in as little as 15 minutes.

If hypothermia sets in, do not use any direct heat, heat lamps or hot water as this can damage skin. In addition, hot water can cause an irregular heartbeat in the victim.

Do not rub or massage the skin either as jarring movements could actually lead to cardiac arrest.

Prevention is the best medicine, and with hypothermia, the prevention is the same as with frostbite – proper clothing when going outside.

 

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