Frostbite is an ugly companion in frosty areas, especially when you go there without being properly dressed. If left untreated, it can have unpleasant consequences that may even result in the loss of limbs. What can you do in such situations? First, you have to identify the affected skin area. Redness or slightly dark discolorations, pain and numbness represent mild frostbites. Red or even gray-blue skin, numbness and severe, throbbing pain and slightly hardened skin are symptoms of superficial frostbite. If you press on the affected area which then won’t get back to its original position or which feels odd and turns its shade into dark purple or even black and even begins to bubble, then you have a serious frostbite. You should definitely consult a doctor in this case! In any case you should take appropriate steps to prevent worse effects. Now, the affected area needs one thing more than anything else: HEAT.
1. Put on gloves; place your fingers (if they are affected) between your armpits.
2. If nose or lips are affected, keep your hands on your face.
3. Boil some water (40 ° C) and put the affected area into the water. You should avoid open ingles and thermal heat as they are too hot and could cause burns! After about ten minutes, your fingers should become rose colored and you should be able to feel and sense with this body part again. If not, go to a doctor immediately!
4. Then, bandage your fingers individually and separately cushion them with cotton swabs.
5. In order to avoid frostbite in general: –
Wear mittens and no gloves
– Make sure your clothes stays dry
– Rather wear several thin layers than one thick layer of clothing
– Use a ski mask and an ear hat- Your boots should not be too tight
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