Frostbite is a serious disease that occurs when the body is exposed to cold for a long time. It can cause significant harm to health and even lead to amputation of the affected limbs.
When frostbite occurs, body tissues begin to freeze, which causes damage and can lead to death. The nose, fingers and toes, as well as the ears and cheeks are usually affected. Symptoms of frostbite include numbness and whiteness of the affected areas of the body.
If left untreated, frostbite can cause serious complications. Ice crystals form in the tissues, which can lead to their destruction, as well as the development of inflammatory processes. In some cases, frostbitten limbs may lose their function, requiring amputation.
If you suspect that you or someone you love has symptoms of frostbite, take action immediately. Frostbitten areas of the body should not be rubbed, as this may aggravate the damage. Instead, you need to gradually warm them up in warm water or apply warm compresses. Do not forget about precautions against the development of bacterial infection, to which frostbitten tissue is very sensitive.
In conclusion, frostbite is a serious condition that can lead to serious complications. If you suspect frostbite, do not delay visiting a doctor and take first aid measures. Remember to take precautions to avoid complications and stay healthy.
Frostbite is damage to the skin and underlying tissues caused by low temperatures. Most often this happens in cold climates, when a person is without clothes or does not wear enough clothes. Frostbite can develop when there is a sudden change in ambient temperature: when leaving a room to go outside, when your hands or feet overheat (overdry), when you suddenly get cold after damp or wet skin, or when you spend a long time in the cold without moving.
At low temperatures, blood flow and metabolism in the cortex of the fingers and toes and the skin of the nose increases. The sensitivity of the nerves is impaired, they become colder and lose the ability to detect temperature changes. When a person's skin turns red, a feeling of comfort does not leave them. The sensitivity of the nerves is restored after 20-30 minutes, and then the pain in frostbitten limbs greatly intensifies. In damaged tissues, cellular glycogen is rapidly converted into glucose. Under the influence of cold and without access to oxygen, metabolic products accumulate and aldehydes are formed, which have an irritating effect on cells. This is where the feeling of discomfort, burning, “goosebumps”, tingling arises. The process of frostbite, starting with redness of the skin, develops with further cooling with the formation of blisters.