Cooling down the body, if it takes too long, can lead to the appearance of frostbite. The victim of frostbite may not be aware of what is happening to him because he does not feel pain. Both in the event of cooling down and frostbite, quick action is required. Learn how to prevent frostbite and coldness, how to recognize their symptoms and how to deal with them.
Cooling downandfrostbiteare problems that we often deal with in winter. To some extent, the body can defend itself against excessive hypothermia. First of all, it causes involuntary muscle tremors - chills that can quickly increase heat production, up to five times. During this time, the frozen skin turns pale as the superficial blood vessels narrow. Its surface also shrinks, which can be seen in the form of the so-called goose bumps. When we are still cold, our body stiffens, and over time its reflexes become uncontrollable. This is the moment when the brain, saving the body from life-threatening heat loss, makes a dramatic decision to direct blood to deep veins. As a result, no blood flows to the arms and legs and frostbites occur. Elderly people are most at risk of hypothermia. This is because sensitivity to cold decreases with age, as does the ability to cause chills. The elderly generally have circulation problems, take many medications - and these factors weaken the body's ability to defend itself against hypothermia.
Frostbite: causes
What else makes it difficult to maintain a sufficiently high body temperature? The abuse of sedatives and antidepressants is dangerous, and above all, prolonged immobilization of the body, which disrupts blood circulation in the body. Contrary to popular belief, excessive alcohol consumption is also harmful, as it dilates the blood vessels, making the body lose heat faster. Malnutrition is also dangerous. When it's cold, don't fight your appetite. Eating improves metabolism and thus increases internal heat production.
You need to be properly prepared for several hours in the cold. First of all, take care of appropriate clothing - preferably consisting of several layers, warm, protecting against wind and moisture. Because the fastestyour hands and feet are cold, your nose and cheeks are cold, don't forget about warm socks and shoes (not too tight!), waterproof gloves and a hat. Did you know that as much as 30 percent of the body's heat is lost through the exposed head?
ImportantIs this already frostbite?
The frostbite condition precedes the gentle pinching and burning of the affected body part. Later it becomes chalky white, slightly shiny, and after some time it changes its color to purple-violet. During this time, swelling appears on the part of the body affected by frost. There are three degrees of frostbite:
- 1st degree - you will recognize it by temporary fading, redness with a slightly bluish tinge. As a result of circulatory disorders and acute inflammation, swelling, burning and numbness appear.
- 2nd degree - characterized by the formation of blisters filled with serous fluid. Swelling and bruising increase. This degree of changes often leaves behind long-lasting swelling and discoloration of the skin that appear with temperature changes.
- 3rd degree - skin necrosis occurs, sometimes reaching deeper tissues, and even bones.
Frostbite: protect your face
Staying in the cold for many hours does not have a soothing effect on the skin of the face, temperature fluctuations are also dangerous for it. Therefore, before leaving the house, it is necessary to put a special protective cream on your face, containing a filter that protects against harmful UVA and UVB radiation. When we plan to stay in the higher parts of the mountains, it is worth smearing the face with a preparation reflecting these rays.
Note: in winter you should not use creams with the addition of honey, because it dilates the blood vessels and irritates them.
Mouth requires special protection. The delicate skin of the lips is seven times thinner than on the hands. There is no melanin in it - a natural ingredient that protects against the sun. That is why the lips get tanned very quickly - then they hurt, are chapped and get cold sores. Therefore, in winter, everyone should use protective lipsticks with strong sunscreen.
Dealing with frostbite and cooling down
If, despite careful behavior, someone has become a victim of the cold - the rescue operation must be carried out extremely carefully so as not to increase the trouble. Unfortunately, a person who experiences frostbite may not be aware of the danger, as they usually do not feel any pain. What to do in this case? First of all, you need to slowly but surely raise your body temperature. Carefully remove wet and cold clothes from the frozen patient and cover himwarm blanket. The next rescue step is to carefully inspect the body. If the frostbitten part is soft - warm it by immersing it in warm water - first at a temperature of 25-30 degrees Celsius, then 40-43 degrees Celsius. After the bath, it is worth rubbing the skin lightly with alcohol - until it turns slightly pink. If the skin is hard or it is not possible to take a bath - we warm it with the warmth of our body. When frostbite is so serious that blisters appear - put a sterile dressing on them, cover the sick areas with a thick layer of cotton wool and take the sick person to a doctor as soon as possible.
ImportantRemember: In case of frostbite, a prophylactic injection of anti-tetanus serum is used.
When treating frostbite, you must not:
- rub (especially with snow or cold water!) The frozen surface as this may increase tissue damage
- bring the frostbitten part of the body close to a hot stove or fire
- pierce forming blisters
- walk on newly thawed feet