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Frostbite and hypothermia are associated with severe frost, but they can be annoying even when the thermometer outside the window does not show a temperature lower than zero. How to prepare and protect yourself so as not to suffer from the effects of low temperatures? Here are ways to avoid frostbite and hypothermia.
Frostbiteandhypothermiaare dangerous, but relatively easy to avoid. For a he althy adult, an hour's walk, even in frost of several degrees, is not a threat, provided that you are very well prepared. However, it is worth knowing that staying in the cold for a long time can lead to life-threatening hypothermia.
Frostbite - you will be protected by a hat and socks
Frost outfit should consist of several layers. It must insulate well, and at the same time allow sweat to evaporate, as moisture is one of the most important factors increasing the risk of frostbite. The perfect winter boots have a wide toe, low heels, and are one size larger than summer boots. This reserve will allow you to put on an additional layer of warm socks if necessary. But the most important thing is the hat. The scalp is very well vascularized, which is why you lose the most heat this way.
Do you want to avoid frostbite? Move!
If for some reason you have to stay in the cold longer than planned - do not stand still. Keep warm with movement. Walk around, jump up and down, move your arms and toes. Rub the nose with your hands (dry and without gloves), thus improving its blood supply. If possible, do a few bends and squats. On cold days, don't go shopping for big. Wearing heavy meshes (even in a short time) may lead to ischemia and, consequently, frostbite to the fingers.
Protection against frost is in the cream
Doctors remind - lubricate the skin of the face with protective creams. Preferably those designed to protect the skin from frost. Remember that a different density cream will work well before going for a walk, and a completely different preparation, preserving protective properties, will be suitable for use under makeup.
Alcohol is strictly forbidden
During sleigh rides or winter trips with friends, we often reach for a sip of alcohol, which gives the impression of a warming drink. But itjust an impression. After the first sensation of heat, which is the effect of the increased pressure, general cooling takes place.
Frostbite symptoms
If you think you are frostbite, don't panic. It will be difficult for you to judge if it is just a cold or a frostbite. First, take a look at the leather:
- First, gently warm the area that is suspected of frostbite and then try to assess how serious the damage is.
- Chilled skin will react to heat with severe pain, while frostbites - even severe ones - do not cause pain.
How to act to minimize the effects of frost:
- Take off your clothes, especially if it's wet.
- Start warming up immediately.
- Use a proven method - skin to skin - if your fingers are cold, just put your hands under your armpits. Usually, frostbites are superficial and in such a situation, just moving to a warm place restores the proper heat and blood supply to the skin.
- Drink warm liquids with lots of sugar (not alcohol!)
- Take a warm bath - as long as there are no wounds on the skin. The water temperature should not be higher than 25-30 degrees Celsius at the beginning. After a dozen or so minutes, you can add water of a higher temperature, but not exceeding 40 degrees.
If the skin is more seriously damaged, call a doctor as soon as possible. In more severe frostbites it is necessary to administer tetanus serum.
Beware of hypothermia
Hypothermia is the general cooling of the body. Such a drop in temperature leads to lethargy, difficulty coordinating movements, confusion, irritability, slower breathing and finally heart rate. All defenses of the body to slow down the cooling down disappear - there is no longer any goosebumps or chills. Hypothermia is a serious condition that can be life-threatening in extreme cases. Hypothermia requires immediate medical attention.
ImportantIn frostbite, the damaged area is white, senseless and cold. Depending on the severity of the injury, the lesions may regress completely or intensify to the point of necrosis. There are four levels of severity of frostbite:
1. degree - we have all experienced it at least several times in our lives. This type of frostbite is a temporary disturbance in blood circulation in a cold area, and manifests itself as pain, redness or pale skin, tingling and slight swelling, for example. It is a reversible process, affecting only the epidermis and does not cause any permanent changes.
2. degree - blisters with serous fluid appear on the surface of the skin, in addition, there is itbluish and severely swollen. The damaged part reaches deeper parts of the epidermis.
3. degree - the damage affects the epidermis, dermis, and sometimes deeper tissues. The skin necroses and turns purple.
4. degree - it does not actually occur in urban conditions, it can happen, for example, when you get lost on a mountain trail without proper preparation. Frostbites affect entire parts of the body, such as the finger, including the bones. They are so serious that a damaged organ cannot always be saved.