Frostbiter

Frostbite occurs when skin and other tissues are exposed to very cold temperatures. It can occur within minutes of exposure to extreme temperatures, or even at temperatures above the freezing point if there is a strong wind (wind chill) or if the person is at high altitude or wet. Frostbite usually affects the hands, feet, nose, cheeks and ears. Superficial frostbite injures the skin and tissue just below, but usually does not permanently damage tissue. Deep frostbite, which also affects the muscles, nerves and blood vessels, can cause tissue death, a condition known as gangrene.

Move to a warm place to prevent loss of heat over

.

Note that many people with frostbite may experience hypothermia. To save lives is more important than preserving a finger or foot.

Remove all constrictive jewelry and clothes, because they can still block the blood flow

Wrap the area with bandages clean fingers and toes of separation. It is very important to keep the skin clean to avoid infection. After the area has been warmed, the skin will blister and discolored. The bulbs should not be broken, and should be covered with a sterile dressing.

Mix some antibacterial soap with water and immerse the affected body part in the solution for about 5 minutes. This will minimize the risk of infection.

Now, air dry affected area. Thereafter, apply aloe vera ointment on it, very gently.

Finally, cover the surface with dry sterile gauze and insulating layers. Make sure you are very gentle while doing the same thing.

If the frostbite is superficial, pink new skin forms under the skin discoloration. The area will usually heal within six months, although some people have permanent problems, such as pain, numbness and stiffness in the affected area. Another treatment for frostbite is physiotherapy, which can be used to improve circulation.

"Previously, severe frostbite was a one way street to the loss of the limb. This treatment is a significant improvement, "said George R. Edmonson, interventional radiologist with St. Paul Radiology Saint Paul, Minnesota, in a statement. "Half of the patients who would otherwise have to undergo amputation, were able to keep all fingers, hands, toes and feet. "

Keep the affected part elevated to reduce swelling. Move to a warm place to prevent further heat loss. Note that many people with frostbite may experience hypothermia. To save lives is more important than preserving a finger or foot. Remove all constrictive jewelry and clothes, because they can still block the blood flow. Give the person warm, nonalcoholic fluids to drink noncaffeinated. Apply cotton dry, sterile dressing up, between the fingers or toes while question (to avoid friction), and take the person to a medical facility as soon as possible.

Among patients who received treatment, 10% of affected fingers and toes were amputated compared to 41% of those who received no treatment. None of the patients required limb amputations, as against 14 in the control group.

Researchers suspect that therapy to dissolve blood clots reduces the damage caused when the skin is reheated frozen. The inflammation usually stimulates during thawing clotting that blocks small blood vessels, leading to cell death. Because the treatment of this side of the clotting, blood flow is restored before permanent damage happens.

The anti-coagulation is recommended for patients suffering from severe frostbite within 24 hours of injury and within 24 hours of re-warming. Further research is needed to determine the best ways to administer drugs in terms of timing, duration and route.