Fingers and toes, nose, ears, cheeks and chin are most commonly affected. Your body tries to stay warm and keep vital organs (heart, liver) safe, and therefore draws blood from your extremities to the center.
When this happens, bodily tissues begin to freeze.
In the process of frostbite, two stages are distinguished.
The first stage is called superficial frostbite, in which the affected parts of the body turn red and cold.
If superficial frostbite progresses, the skin becomes numb or a tingling sensation occurs.
Due to the stiffness of the joints, a person becomes clumsy. The good news is that superficial frostbite does not necessarily damage the skin.
If you notice signs of it, go indoors, have a warm drink, and call your doctor if you feel pain, a fever, or a blister on your skin. However, if superficial frostbite progresses to the next stage, the reddened skin will begin to fade or turn white.
The area of skin may heat up again, which is a sure sign that the case is serious. When your skin heats up or thaws again, it turns blue or purple, and fluid-filled blisters can form.
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You may experience complete numbness in the affected area - the feeling of pain and cold will disappear. After a day or two, bubbles will form, then the frostbitten tissue will turn blue, then it will turn black and die off.
If you suspect you have frostbite, immediately contact a medical facility. Do not soak the affected area in hot water; your skin may become insensitive to pain, and if the water is too hot, you burn yourself.
Measure the temperature of the water - it should be no more than 40 degrees Celsius. If you can't get the affected area wet, use a wet rag.
How to prevent frostbite?
The innermost layer of clothing should not retain moisture.
The second one should be warm, and the uppermost one should protect the body from wind and rain.
Protect your hands and feet. Wear warm socks. Feet are especially prone to frostbite.
Wear wool socks over cotton socks to keep your feet warm and dry. Wear mittens instead of gloves, so your fingers touch each other and share warmth.
To avoid frostbite while talking on the phone, use touch-sensitive gloves that you can press on the smartphone screen. Don't forget about your ears and wear a hat that covers your ears. Limit time outside in cold weather.
Avoid alcohol - the body loses heat faster, so enjoy strong drinks at home. Move: Exercise keeps the blood flowing, which keeps your body warm.
