An Overview Of Frostbites

By Gail Mardew

People who live in countries where freezing weather is felt all year round are surely familiar with frostbites already. They can easily tell you that it is a condition that one is better off without. People living in Alaska for example could probably give you the basic one-oh-one in avoiding getting frostbites.

Frostbites occur when a person is in an extremely cold environment yet clothed insufficiently against the low temperature. It is caused by long exposure to frigid temperature. That is why ears, nose, cheeks, toes and fingers are often the casualties for frostbites because these parts are often exposed. When frostbite sinks in, tissues and cells may be permanently damaged.

MedlinePlus, the information center of the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health, has enumerated symptoms for frostbites. Areas that are frostbitten are cold and hard to touch. Early stage of frostbite is indicated by stinging red skin. The tingling akin to pins and needles will eventually feel numb appear white as the tissues begin to freeze. As the degree of intensity increases, the color of the skin darkens accordingly. Worst case frostbites may even appear blackened or bruised.

According to MedlinePlus, frostbite is damage to the skin and underlying tissues caused by extreme cold. In extreme cases of this affliction, blood vessels could end up damaged and cause permanent damage. Amputation will then become a necessity because f let alone, this could develop into gangrene and may spread to other unaffected areas of the body.

For minor case frostbites, there is still a chance for complete recovery. Once the affected area is allowed to thaw blood will eventually circulate freely once again and prevent permanent cell tissue damage. This is a very painful process however. Along with the return of sensation in the numbed, frostbitten area is a tingling that will later escalate into intense pain.

Another serious thing about acquiring frostbites is that it rarely happens to a person without having to suffer other afflictions as well. Other accompanying ailments could be hypothermia and trauma, especially if the events leading to the exposure of oneself to intense cold are quite daunting. And as mentioned above, gangrene can develop and will certainly be dangerous if the damaged area is not given immediate and appropriate medical attention.

Most people will say that prevention is better than cure and this is certainly a case in which that saying perfectly applies to. People living in cold countries may already know the SOPs in preventing frostbites. If you're traveling to a place with extremely cold weather take the necessary precautions and pack the appropriate clothes that will keep you warm. Thick mittens, water resistant clothing, hats, scarves and mufflers are basic necessities. - 29972

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