Facts you should know about frostbite
What is frostbite?
Frostbite is severe damage to tissues from temperatures below 95 F and 35 C rectally due to the formation of ice crystals within cells, rupturing the cells and leading to cell death. There are three stages of frostbite: frostnip (first-degree injury), second, and third, which is the most severe form of frostbite.
What are the stages of frostbite?
The three stages of frostbite are frostnip (stage 1), stage 2, and stage 3, which is the most severe form of frostbite.
What are the signs and symptoms of frostbite?
Frostbite symptoms and signs include tingling, numbness, and changes in the color and texture of the skin.
How do you know if you have frostbite?
Frostbite, frostnip, chilblains, and trench foot usually are self-diagnosed.
What is the first aid home treatment for frostbite?
First aid treatment for frostbite at home is to call 911, cover yourself with blankets and move to a warm area, change any wet clothing to clothes that are dry. Keep the area that has been frostbitten elevated higher than your heart to get increase the blood flow to the heart, drink warm liquids, and don't rewarm the area because it leads to disastrous results.
What is the first aid medical treatment for frostbite?
Frostbite is a medical emergency, call 911 or go to your nearest Urgent Care or Emergency Department because you can lose body parts. Treatment generally includes moving out of the cold environment, removing wet clothing, and rewarming the affected area.
Frostbite is a serious cold weather-related injury that requires immediate medical attention and rapid rewarming. Do not thaw the affected area if there is the risk of refreezing. Certain people, such as the elderly, children, alcoholics, and the homeless, are at increased risk of developing cold weather-related injuries like frostbite or frostnip.
Does frostbite heal on its own?
The usual recovery period for uncomplicated trench foot can be several weeks.
Tips to prevent frostnip and frostbite
Prevention of cold weather-related injuries is best accomplished through proper planning and preparation for cold weather.