Q: I'm concerned about frostbite. I spend time hiking in the winter at high altitudes. I recently noticed my skin turning very white while we were hiking. I seem to be okay now. But in the future, how will I know if I have frostbite?
A: Frostbite is a dangerous condition that can lead to permanent damage, gangrene, the need for amputation of limbs, fingers, ears, toes – and can even result in death. It is a particularly dangerous condition because a person might be unaware of the presence of frostbite until it is too late. Frostbite requires immediate and emergent attention.
Frostbite is an injury caused by the freezing of body tissues. Symptoms of frostbite include the following:
- Skin appears cold, white, and hard
- Feelings of numbness
- After warming, the skin becomes red, swollen, and painful
- Advanced degrees of frostbite might be evident by blisters or blackened skin
You might have had the early signs of frostbite or what is referred to as "frostnip" which is a reversible injury to skin caused by being exposed to sub-freezing conditions.
Contrary to popular belief, temperatures do not have to be freezing to cause frostbite. Bodily tissues can freeze at low but above-freezing temperatures. In addition, the wind-chill factor can contribute to the potential for frostbite. For instance, if the temperature is 15 degrees outside and the wind is 30 mph, the wind-chill factor is actually about -25 degrees F. Under these conditions, exposed flesh could freeze within one minute!
If you are outside in cold temperatures and notice any of the above symptoms, you should get to a warm place, cover exposed areas, and seek professional medical care immediately. It is important to be educated about how to handle frostbite. Sometimes doing things that seem practical can actually lead to more harm in the case of frostbite. For instance, rubbing or massaging frostbitten areas can actually do more harm than good to the underlying tissue. In addition, walking on an affected foot or toe can worsen the situation.
If you are in situations in which medical care is not readily available (and it sounds like you are), go to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention web site. Studying the information on "Extreme Cold" at that site might help you avoid the loss of a limb in the future and give you tips on how not to make your situation worse.
Prevention is the Key
The key to preventing frostbite is to be properly prepared for the cold. Here are some important tips for avoiding frostbite:
- Be aware of the environment you are entering, the temperature, the wind chill and the forecast.
- Avoid environments with extreme temperatures.
- Keep clothing including gloves and socks dry.
- Wear layers of clothing leaving no skin exposed.
- Remember that even if it doesn't feel that cold, a combination of wet clothes and wind can be a setup for frostbite.
- Wear a hat and a scarf.
- Drink plenty of fluids, but don't drink alcohol. Alcohol actually dehydrates the body and impairs the senses (as do other drugs) making it difficult to be alert to the signs of frostbite.
- The old and the young are at greatest risk of frostbite.
Winter sports and activities are fun for everyone, but it is important to bundle up! Thousands of people suffer from frostbite each year, and often it is because they ignored the basics when it comes to being prepared for the cold.
For More Information: Centers for Disease Control – Emergency Preparedness and Response. |
