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Frostbite
Frostbites are caused by:
> Low temperatures. Temperatures below –2°C can induce frostbites on exposed body parts. The danger increases when low temperatures combine with moisture (wet clothing) and wind chill.
> Supercooled substances. Metal reaches temperatures well below freezing point. Skin and flesh freeze instantly when in contact.
> Tight-
> Medication and drugs. Some substances, e.g. nicotine, constrict the blood vessels in the periphery.
Frostbites, which involve freezing of the muscles and/or bones, don’t show signs
of blistering after rewarming. The exception is the area bordering the frostbite,
which has superficial damage where blood-
Prevention is the same as for frostnip. Treating frostbite is a gentle process. The old theory of rubbing the affected area with snow is no longer applicable, as it will further damage the tissue. Obtain emergency medical assistance as quickly as possible.
Skin and flesh freezes at about –2°C. Superficial frostnip heals, but the freezing of deeper layers results in permanent damage such as: no blood circulation, burst arteries, blood clots and dead skin cells or dead body cells in the case of deep frostbite. Mechanical damage occurs when the ice crystals puncture cells during rubbing of the area or if the person continues to walk on affected feet. The dead tissue will eventually decompose and, depending on the severity of the damage, could result in limb amputation.
Sounds terrible? It is quite fortunate, really. Because this is the function of the
hypothalamus, the body’s temperature regulator’s reaction to cold extremes. Its loyalty
is towards the essential organs to keep you alive – a hand or foot can be discarded.
Frostbite is, therefore, not life-
Frostbitten skin appears waxy-
A superficial frostbite contains some life in the tissue and thawing results in swelling and blistering of the area.
