It is defined as a direct freezing of body
tissues. Frostbite is most likely to happen in body parts farthest from
the heart and those with large exposed areas. Thus, it usually affects the
extremities, in particular the fingers, toes, ear and face.
Risk factors:
1.Smoking
2.Alcohol Consumption
3.Diabetes
4.Peripheral Vascular disease.
5.Dehydration
Stages:
There are three stages of frostbite. Each of these stages
have varying degrees of pain.
1. Stage 1
First degree frostbite causes skin to appear yellow or
white. There may also be slight burning sensations. This stage of
frostbite is relatively mild and can be reversed by the gradual warming
of the affected area.
2. Stage 2
Second degree frostbite develops after continued exposure.
This stage is characterized by the disappearance of pain and the
reddening and swelling of the skin. Treatment in this stage may result
in blisters and it may also peel the skin.
3. Stage 3
Third degree frostbite results in waxy and hard skin. It
is at this stage that the skin dies and edema may occur as a result of
the lack of blood.
If third degree frostbite is not treated immediately then the damage
and the frostbite becomes permanent, nerve damage will occur due to
oxygen deprivation. Frostbitten areas will turn discolored, purplish at
first, and soon turn black. After a while nerve damage becomes so great
that feeling is lost in the frostbitten areas. Blisters will also
occur. If feeling is lost in the damaged area, checking it for cuts and
breaks in the skin is vital. Infected open skin can lead to gangrene
and amputation may be needed.
Treatment:
1.Rewarming should not be attempted if there is any further risk of
freezing as refreezing may increases the risk of ultimate injury.
2.Rewarming must be active using warm water. And is associated with
pain.
3.Direct heat and rubbing must be avoided to prevent further tissue
injury.
4.Excessive movement of frostbitten tissue can cause ice crystals that
have formed in the tissue to do further damage. Splinting and/or
wrapping frostbitten extremities are therefore recommended to prevent
such movement.
5.Management has to be done to prevent infection of affected area.
6.Surgery to remove dead tissue.
7.Homoeopathy- medicines will help in reliving pain, preventing
infection and speeding up the healing process along with the
conventional methods.
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