Fighting the frost bite
Frost bite is a medical condition in which the skin and other tissues get damaged due to its exposure to severe cold conditions. It occurs in parts of the body which are farthest from the heart. The feet, toes, the tip of the nose, the rims and lobes of the earas, and the tips of the fingers are the body parts which are most vulnerable to frost bites. Mere exposure to cold temperature does not cause frost bite. Number factors are responsible for this condition. Duration of exposure to cold, the level of your tolerance to cold and also the type of cloths you are wearing together determine your risk of getting frost bite.
The initial stage of frost bite is called frost nip. When the temperature is 0°Celcius the blood vessels our skin contracts in an effort to conserve the body heat by diverting the blood flow to other vital internal organs of the body. As a result in some cases the blood flow may becomes extremely low. Cold temperature combined with poor blood flow can cause severe injuries to skin tissues. The skin becomes pale and pain follows. When the freezing continues the deeper tissues are affected. At a certain point the skin becomes numb, devoid of sensation. The skin becomes waxy white. If the condition persists it can affect the muscles, nerves and tendons also. If the frost bite is not treated in right time it can lead to permanent damages. In severe cases amputation may be needed.
The only treatment of frost bite is the restoration of the normal temperature of the skin by rewarming the frosted body tissues. The infected person can be warmed up by providing body heat or making the room temperature warmer. This can be done by wrapping the patient in warm blanket, moving him to warmer enclosers etc. This type of rewarming procedure is called passive rewarming. Another type of rewarming procedure is active rewarming. It involves applying heat to the frosted tissues directly. This is done by immersing the damaged body part in a tub of water slightly warmer than the body temperature.
However it is always better to do it under medical supervision as because it can lead to further damages if it is not done in a right manner. Keeping feet in warm saline water which will provide some relief from the frost bite in the feet. However prevention is always better than care. There are certain precautions which can prevent us from getting a frost bite.
Since, it occurs in cold temperature. Find shelter early if caught in a severe snowstorm or other outdoor situation in very cold weather. Even a small cave, ditch, hollow tree, or vehicle can help reduce the chances of frostbite. Increased physical activity helps to maintain body warmth, especially in the hands and feet. So, if you are caught in such extreme cold weather some physical activities will keep you warm. If your hands are without gloves then keep your hands close to your body to stay warm. Cover your face especially the nose with scurf. Use your extra clothing to cover your hands and feet which are most vulnerable to frost fight. Do not share your blanket or sleeping bags with others as sharing the blanket or sleeping bag with one or two person cannot keep you warm. Some diseases like diabetes can cause frost bites. So, diabetics should avoid trips to very cold places.