Frostbite Overview

For fans of winter sports, there's nothing more exhilarating than crisp, cold air and a blanket of snow for skiing, snowmobiling, sledding, or just plain horsing around. But the nip in the air can have an unforgiving bite if you're not dressed to ward off the elements. Indeed, you may not realize how cold it actually is outside -- until frostbite develops. In this article, we will discuss tips on how to care for frostbitten skin and protect yourself from Jack Frost's bite in the future.

Frostbite occurs when the fluids in the skin tissues begin to freeze, or crystalize, restricting blood flow to the affected area. Most cases of frostbite occur on the hands, feet, toes, nose, and ears. The reason is that as the body temperature drops in reaction to prolonged exposure to cold, the heart attempts to protect vital organs by increasing circulation to the torso at the expense of the extremities.

While it is wise to have any suspected case of frostbite checked out by a doctor as soon as possible, you need to take steps right away to rewarm and protect the affected areas. In the next section, we will review how to immediately care for frozen skin.

Hypothermia: The Deep Freeze
When the temperature within the body drops from its average 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit to below 95 degrees Fahrenheit, hypothermia can occur. The symptoms of hypothermia include shivering, numbness, drowsiness, muscle weakness, and disorientation. In severe cases, the victim may become unconscious.

Hypothermia is an emergency that requires immediate medical attention. In the meantime, the victim should be covered with extra blankets or other wraps and, if conscious, given sips of a warm, nonalcoholic beverage. If the victim is unconscious, do not attempt to administer fluids.

This information is solely for informational purposes. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. Neither the Editors of Consumer Guide (R), Publications International, Ltd., the author nor publisher take responsibility for any possible consequences from any treatment, procedure, exercise, dietary modification, action or application of medication which results from reading or following the information contained in this information. The publication of this information does not constitute the practice of medicine, and this information does not replace the advice of your physician or other health care provider. Before undertaking any course of treatment, the reader must seek the advice of their physician or other health care provider.