What is frostbite?
Frostbite is damage to the skin and underlying tissues caused by prolonged exposure to extreme cold. Extremities, such as your nose, cheeks, ears, fingers and toes are most commonly affected. The first symptoms of frostbite are a tingling, itching, burning feeling, followed by numbness. The skin may also change color when exposed to extreme cold. It first becomes pale and if allowed to freeze becomes purplish blue. As the skin thaws out, it becomes red and painful. Very severe frostbite can cause blisters and damage to structures beneath the skin. If frostbite is suspected, seek medical attention as soon as possible. It is important to move to a warm area and to keep the affected area elevated, but do not re-warm frostbitten skin if there is any chance of re-freezing. Do not rub the frozen area and apply a dry bandage between any affected areas to prevent rubbing as this will cause even more tissue damage. Frostbite can strike anyone exposed to cold temperatures for a significant perio
When a person is exposed to extreme cold conditions, the blood flow diminishes to some parts of the body (mainly hands, feet and face). This leads to dehydration and death of the cells. In severe cases, deep-freezing of the tissues occurs with damage to the blood vessels, muscles and nerves. Frostbite is the freezing of the tissues due to ischaemia caused by the vasospasm. The condition is usually seen in high altitudes. The condition may occur in all ages and both sexes. The injured area appears cold, white in color and hard to touch. Also, there is loss of sensation in that particular area. There is numbness and burning pain along with stinging and throbbing sensation. Later, after rewarming, the region becomes swollen, red and painful. Even blisters may appear. Also, there may be excessive sweating over the affected area. Basic cause for frostbite is prolonged exposure to cold. Other causative factors include normal aging and malnutrition. Smoking, alcohol consumption, drug abuse an
