Blood flow to some regions of the body can become dangerously low when someone is exposed to extremely low temperatures or freezing conditions for a lengthy period of time. The cells and tissues begin to deteriorate when these particular areas do not acquire the adequate amounts of oxygen-rich blood that they require. The skin first becomes chilly and red, then becomes numb. The skin finally turns pallid and rigid. After a few seconds at freezing point, which is zero Celsius or 32 degrees Fahrenheit, you might begin to experience pain. At this point, you will start to experience Frostnip, a milder and early stage of Frostbite. Blood arteries begin to narrow as temperatures drop even lower, which is further worse by the presence of moisture.
Signs and symptoms of frostbite are as follows:
Firstly, a cold and prickling feeling on the skin
Numbness
Hard, waxy-like skin
Skin turning red, white, bluish-white or greyish-yellow
Joint and muscle stiffness
Blisters after rewarming
Doctors divide frostbite into three phases, similar to how they do with burns, based on the degree or severity of the damage.
Frostnip is a term used to describe first-degree frostbite. This is a relatively early stage that causes no long-term damage to your skin. Just the skin’s outer layer is impacted by this. Numbness, itchy discomfort, and prickling are the early signs. Patches of white and yellow skin begin to appear. For a short while, it can cause your skin to temporarily lose its sensitivity to heat and cold.
The superficial frostbite stage is also known as second degree frostbite. The hue of the skin changes from reddish to pale and even bluish. The skin could freeze and harden. Skin becomes covered in ice crystals.
The treatment for this condition mainly focuses on the warming and thawing of the frostbitten parts. The treatment techniques may range from general first aid, rewarming, medications, taking care of the wounds, surgery and various other therapies, depending on the stage and severity.
Rewarming: Rewarming is done by soaking the affected skin in warm (not hot) water for a time of 15 to 30 minutes. Rewarming needs to be done with a warm water bath and not by stoves and heating pads. The skin turns softer and reddish and can be gently touched or moved. Aloe Vera gel and lotions are applied on the affected areas after rewarming.
Oral pain killers: To cope with the pain of the warming process, the doctor will prescribe you drugs like ibuprofen to relieve the pain and swelling.
Protecting injuries: After the skin is thawed, the doctor will loosen up the area and wrap it with sterile towels and dressings. The affected areas may be elevated to reduce the swelling.
Whirlpool therapy: Soaking your skin in a whirlpool bath i.e. hydrotherapy helps to aid and heal the skin. The skin becomes clean and the dead tissues are naturally removed.
