With wind chills well below zero it is a good time to remind people about the real danger of frostbite occurring. Jackie Heinle, RN, nurse manager of the Burn Treatment Center located in University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, talks about frostbite:
What is frostbite?
It occurs when the skin and some of the tissue under the skin form ice crystals because of exposure to the cold temperature. The areas the furthest away from your heart, such as your feet, your hands, and your face, are at the highest risk for frostbite.
How quickly can exposed skin become frostbitten in extreme cold weather?
Your skin can become very, very cold and start to freeze within seconds. But generally it can take a couple of minutes. It doesn't take a really long time. When we look at temperatures at 32 degrees Fahrenheit and zero degrees centigrade, this is when the tissue can start to freeze because the blood vessels that support your skin start to become very small and blood can't get there and it increases the tissue for freezing at that time.
Are children and older adults affected more with frostbite? Why?
Absolutely! We've got to remember that children have a whole bunch of skin on their body. It's a huge skin surface on a really small body and they loose heat very rapidly from their skin surface and that puts them at risk for frostbite. And with the elderly, as we get old—believe it or not, once we pass the age of 50—our skin starts to thin out with blood supply and of course then puts that at a higher risk for freezing.
Are there certain medical conditions that may put a person at greater risk for developing frostbite?
Well, anyone who has a skin disorder such as eczema or previous frostbite, for example, would be at higher risk. And then the people who have some heart disease or diabetes, they have some underlying vessel disease that puts them at risk for frostbite. People who consume a lot of alcohol or who smoke a lot are at risk for frostbite.
How is frostbite prevented?
First of all, anticipate that it might happen. Think about your exposure to cold, particularly like today. Again, don't consume a lot of alcohol or smoke. And get adequate food and rest, especially if you're going to be outside for a long time.
As far as multiple layers of clothing, make sure that they're wind and water proof and once that clothing gets wet, you need to immediately remove it. Wear gloves and hats of course, cover the ears. Don't wear cotton because it retains the moisture. If you're caught outside and can't find shelter right away, decrease your physical activities to maintain body warmth.
When should someone see a physician for frostbite?
The thing you're going to feel is tingling and burning on the skin surface and then you're going to go into some numbness. But as soon as you get some numbness that is characterized with some white, waxy skin and it feels numb and hard—that needs medical attention, by all means, very quickly.
How is frostbite treated?
The most important thing is get the person indoors immediately. Remove the wet clothing and then immerse the chilled body parts in warm water—not hot. Don't use direct heat such as fire and heating pads because that tissue is already insensate and can't feel it. Don't rub the skin with snow, those kinds of things. Get into the warm, support the rewarming of the tissue very quickly, and seek medical attention if the skin white and waxy.
If left untreated, what will happen to the frostbitten area?
Unfortunately, some bad things can happen. If the tissue continues to be cold, infection or gangrene sets in which could require amputation. It's critical that you seek out medical attention. |
