Frostbite

What is Frostbite ?

Congelatio is the medical term for Frostbite. It is a condition wherein there is damage to the skin as well as to the tissue beneath caused by severe cold temperature.   It happens when there is too much exposure to low temperature or below °0 centigrade. This affects the hands, feet, nose, and ears.

Frostbite has 3 degrees:

1^st degree: Frostnip

This degree only affects the skin surface but pain and itching are felt and it becomes numb. Then there are white and yellow patches however this is not permanent.

2^nd degree: Blisters

When the frostnip is not immediately acted on, blisters will occur in about one to two days after the skin is frozen. The white patches will be black and will harden but in some cases, it may become worse. The healing time when in the second degree is one month and that part may be numb when exposed to heat or cold.

3^rd and 4^th degree: Deep Frostbites

If the skin area is exposed to extremely low temperature for a long time, deep frostbite happens. It does not only affect the tissue but the muscles, tendons, the blood vessels, and even the nerves. This is a serious injury which can permanently damage the area. If this is prolonged, the affected toe or fingers may be amputated especially when it is infected and gangrene occurs after. On the other hand, if the problem is acted immediately, scraping of debridement may occur to remove the tissue which will die in the process.

Frostbite Pictures

Picture 1 : Frostbite skin degrees

image source : medicinenet.Inc

Picture 2 : Frostbitten skin (hand) image

Causes of Frostbite

• Prolonged exposure to cold temperature.
• Individuals who take beta blocker medicines such as propanolol can lessen the blood flow to the skin which makes them susceptible to having the injury.
• Individuals with a peripheral vascular disease because there is a constriction in the blood flow to the extremities.
• Individuals who smoke.
• Exposure to windy weather because it can cause the skin’s heat loss is increased.
• Patients with diabetes especially those who have peripheral neuropathy.
• Individuals who suffer Raynaud’s phenomenon.

Frostbite Signs

There are warning signs when frostbite occurs such as numbness that continues to worsen everyday and the loss of sensation on the area affected.

• There is also pain felt but if it continues to worsen, the pain disappears.
• The skin surface appears wooden and has a wooden texture or look

Frostbite Symptoms

There are various symptoms of frostbite depending on the degree of the frostbite.

Frostnip

• The feeling of being pricked by “pins and needles”.
• Burning sensation or early throbbing and aching.
• Numbness and tingling.
• Resistance is felt once the affected area is touched or pressed.

Blisters

• It is usually hard, pale, and cold
• Feeling of numbness
• The white and yellow patched has a waxy texture and turns into purple.

Deep Frostbites

• The tissue becomes black or there is gangrene
• There is a  throbbing pain in two to three days after the frostbite
• There will be complete separation of the tissue if not treated or given medical attention.

Always remember that the affected area may appear healthy or unaffected although numbness sets in and there is change in color. It is always best to consult to doctor so that the skin will not be infected.

Frostbite First Aid

• Avoid further contact from colds.
• Do something to eliminate cold feeling.
• Slowly warm the affected area. Remember, you have to this gradually so as not to aggravate the condition.
• Get medical help.

Frostbite Treatment

Frostbite may involve medical treatment especially if the injury is severe and cannot be treated with first aid alone.

How to Treat Frostbite

• Keeping the person warm is the first priority if there are no more signs of danger. Warm the bath tub from 40 to 42 degrees centigrade and do this for about 15 to 30 minutes.
• Narcotic meds must be given since this is a painful procedure.
• IV fluids must be given via intravenous tubing because dehydration is present in this condition.
• Debridement must be done to remove the dead tissue.
• If there is infection or severe damage and the finger or toe cannot be saved, the best intervention is to amputate and TPA or tissue plasminogen activator is given so that there will be no blood clots in the artery.
• To avoid complications such as tetanus, a booster or vaccine is given.
• In some cases, amputation is not done but the patient has to stay in the hospital for one to two days to further examine and to give proper treatment to the patient.
• A cream from aloe vera extract is applied on the area and it is also raised and protected by bandage.
• Medicines were given to battle off inflammation.
• There is a water therapy that is given to the patient at about 40 degress centigrade to remove the dead tissue. This only happens to patients with deep frostbite.

Frostbite Remedies

These are the things to be done when doing a remedy in frostbite at home:

• Keep the injured part elevated.
• Move in an area where it is warm and avoid using the part that has frostbite because it can cause infection.
• Remove or loosen clothing that may impede the circulation of the affected area.
• Take liquids that are warm, non-alcoholic and non-caffeinated drink.
• Put a sterile bandage and place cotton in between fingers where there is frostbite. Avoid rubbing or touching the fingers or toes or any skin surface that is affected.
• Do not rub the frostbite to any frozen area like snow or ice because it can worsen the damage and keep it away from direct heat or sources of heat. Let the experts do the warming process when in the hospital.

References

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frostbite

http://www.emedicinehealth.com/frostbite/page5_em.htm#Frostbite%20Treatment

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000057.htm

http://www.healthscout.com/ency/68/453/main.html