In winter during prolonged, moderate cold, skin damage can occur on toes and fingers, for example. If the warning signs such as tingling on the toes, fingers or nose are ignored, the familiar painful frostbite will result. But frostbite and hypothermia are also possible consequences of the cold temperatures. We reveal how to treat frostbite and frostbite properly.
Frostbite possible even without frost
Frostbite is localized skin damage caused by cold temperatures that is often itchy and very painful, especially when you go from cold to warm. Initially, blue-red discoloration appears, later swelling is added. Frostbites are treated with rheumatic ointments, but also with frost or wound ointments. The best protection against chilblains is warm clothing.
Frostbites are to be distinguished from frostbite. Frostbite can form namely already at temperatures around the freezing point – a frostbite, however, can occur only at real frost.
Severity of frostbite
With frostbite, a distinction is made between different degrees of severity, similar to burns. Mild frostbite is referred to as grade I. The skin in the affected areas looks bluish-white marbled. If it is now warmed up again, it heals completely.
In grade II, the skin is deep red to purple and feels very cold. Here, as in the more severe stages, permanent damage may remain. In such a case, seek medical attention or call 911 as soon as possible.
Treatment of frostbite
Warm the affected areas – usually cheeks, nose, fingers or toes – by covering them with a warm garment. Try to reach an ambient temperature of 25 to 30 degrees Celsius. For “thawing”, it is also recommended to take a full bath, starting with lukewarm water. The temperature should be increased only slowly to avoid tissue damage.
Hypothermia
Frostbite has nothing to do with hypothermia: hypothermia is a life-threatening condition that strikes many homeless people in particular every winter. It is understood as a drop in body temperature below 35 degrees Celsius. Hypothermia affects the entire body, while frostbite always represents localized cold effects.
Frostbite in summer
Right. This can happen if, for example, ice is placed directly on the skin during sports injuries and remains there too long. Therefore, always wrap the ice cubes with a cloth. Frostbite can also occur if an icing spray is sprayed on the skin at close range.
