While slips, trips, and falls are some of the most common wintertime injuries, another injury that is quite common is frostbite and frostnip. Show
What is Frostbite? What Does Frostbite Look Like?Frostbite is a skin injury that is caused when the skin and underlying tissues freeze. It is most common on the following body parts: fingers, toes, nose, cheeks, ears, and the chin. Exposed skin in cold, windy weather is the most vulnerable to frostbite, but it can occur on skin that is covered by clothing. According to HSI magazine, frostbite occurs in several stages. These stages and symptoms include frostnip, superficial frostbite, and deep frostbite. What is Frostnip?Frostnip is a milder form of skin injury caused by the cold and it does not always progress to frostbite and permanent tissue damage. However, continued exposure can lead to numbness in the affected area. You may feel pain and tingling as your skin warms up. This feeling is similar to pins and needles. Frostnip doesn’t permanently damage the skin, but if left untreated it can progress to frostbite. Frostnip will characteristically cause the affected area to become very cold and red. Superficial FrostbiteSuperficial frostbite appears when the reddened skin from frostnip progresses to white or pale skin. The skin may also start to feel warm. The surface of the skin may appear mottled if rewarming of the skin is attempted. Symptoms of frostbite at this stage may also include tinging, burning, and swelling. Fluid-filled blisters may appear 12 to 36 hours after the affected area is rewarmed. Deep FrostbiteDeep frostbite occurs when all layers of the skin are affected. The skin turns white or bluish gray. The frostbitten areas may become numb, which means losing all sensation of pain, temperature, or discomfort. Muscles and joints may no longer work. Large blisters form 1 to 2 days after the affected area is rewarmed. The area will turn black and harden as the tissue dies. What Causes Frostbite?Exposure to cold weather conditions is the most common cause of frostbite. It can also be caused by direct contact with very cold liquids, ice, or frozen metal. Specific conditions that lead to frostbite, according to UofL Health, include:
The following factors increase your risk:
How to Prevent Frostbite and FrostnipFrostbite can be prevented by being aware of your surroundings, wearing proper clothing, and watching for signs. Here are tips to help you stay safe and warm:
ComplicationsComplications of frostbite include:
When Should I See a Doctor?Seek medical attention for frostbite if you experience signs and symptoms of superficial or deep frostbite. If you feel increased pain, swelling, redness, or discharge from the affected area, it is important to see a provider. If you experience a fever or new, unexplained symptoms, please see a doctor. Get emergency medical help if you suspect hypothermia. Hypothermia is a dangerous drop in body temperature. Signs and symptoms of hypothermia include intense shivering, slurred speech, drowsiness, and loss of coordination. If you experience frostnip or frostbite, protect the affected body parts from further cold. Also make sure to not walk on frostbitten feet. You can take ibuprofen to reduce pain. Schedule with Us Today!If you are experiencing symptoms of frostbite, schedule a visit with Advanced Urgent Care & Occupational Medicine. Click here for a list of our locations. Which part of the body is most vulnerable to frostbite in a superficial injury?Superficial frostbite, as seen here on the tip of a finger, is most common on the fingers, toes, nose, ears, cheeks and chin.
What finding indicates mild hypothermia?Mild Hypothermia 32-35C: Presentation can often be subtle with vague symptoms such as hunger, nausea, fatigue, shivering, and pale/cold/dry skin. Often will have increased muscle tone, increased blood pressure, tachycardia, and tachypnea from body's attempts to promote thermogenesis.
What is true regarding frostbite?Frostbite is a type of injury caused by freezing. It leads to a loss of feeling and color in the areas it affects, usually extremities such as the nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers, and toes. Frostbite can permanently damage the body, and severe cases can lead to amputation (removing the affected body part).
What is the body temp for hypothermia?Definition. Hypothermia is dangerously low body temperature, below 95°F (35°C).
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