Don't Let Jack Frost Bite You

What is Frostbite?

When the capillaries in your fingers and toes and the top of your nose get cold, blood flow to these areas decreases. Frostbite is when tissues literally freeze in your body. Ice crystals form inside the cells. This will limit the blood supply and oxygen to the area. The mixture of the freezing cells and the oxygen depletion causes tissue damage and can destroy blood vessels, which will turn red and purple and eventually blister and lead to gangrene and loss of extremities.

When you are out in the cold, your body’s first priority is to maintain the core temperature. Your body shifts blood away from the extremities and toward the central organs. Frostbite has an early warning sign called frostnip. The skin will turn red, burn and sting, and may also feel numb. This is the signal to head inside to a warmer environment. When bare or wet skin is exposed to low weather temperatures for a prolonged amount of time, the body tissue will freeze. Frostbite can occur in just 30 minutes with temperatures of zero with a 15 mph wind, which creates a windchill of 19 degrees below zero. Some weather conditions can cause the skin to freeze in just 10 minutes.

Prevention of Frostbite

• Always dress wisely. Use several thin layers that are light and loose. Make the top layer a waterproof item.
• Protect your head, nose, ears, hands, and feet.
• Don’t drink alcohol or smoke before going outside in the cold. Smoking causes vasoconstriction of blood vessels and only contributes to the problem. The alcohol dilates the blood vessels and will make you feel warm but you are actually losing more heat from your body. Drink warm non-alcoholic drinks like hot cocoa.
• If you get wet, get inside immediately.
• Check yourself about every 30 minutes for signs of frostbite. If anybody's parts feel numb, go to a warmer place immediately.
• If you do develop blisters, leave them intact!
• Use warm blankets on the affected area — do not use any heat to warm the area.
• Avoid snow in the boots or shoes.
• Wear mittens not gloves if possible.
• Wear a scarf over your nose and face.
• Do not rub any affected area. This may cause more damage to the cells and skin.
• If you are shoveling snow or any other outside activities, please note wind temperature and go inside periodically.

Additional Risk Factors

• Beta-blocker medication
• Diabetes
• Peripheral Neuropathy
• Vascular problems
• High winds
• Wet clothes
• Smoking
• Alcohol
• Inadequate clothing

Symptoms of Frostbite

The following symptoms may occur right after exposure, or may not be noticed until several days or weeks later.

• Itching
• Pain
• Burning
• Numbness
• Clumsiness
• Stiff (like wood)
• Swelling
• Color Changes (white, red, yellow)
• Blisters (1-2 days after exposure)
• Waxy Skin
• Gangrene
• Infections

Treatment

• Get to a warm location and remove any wet clothing. If you can’t get to a warm location, tuck your hands (if this is the affected area) in your underarms.
• Don’t ever rub the area or use hot water or dry heat.
• Drink warm liquids.
• Submerge frostbitten area in warm water 100-105 degrees for 3 to 5 minutes.
• Re-warming is very painful — you may want to take aspirin or other pain relievers.
• Call your doctor and explain your symptoms. You may need to go to the emergency room.

As we prepare for the winter of 2015, don’t take any chances with the extreme cold.

If you have any questions or comments, please visit their website at www.cortesefootandankle.com or call them at 309-452-3000.