Unstable winter weather contributes to a sharp surge of various colds, hypothermia of the body and frostbite of various parts of the body.
What is frostbite?
Frostbite is a damage to any part of the body (up to deadliness) under the influence of low temperatures. Most often, frostbite occurs in cold winter time at an ambient temperature below -10O --20O C. With prolonged stay outside the room, especially with high humidity and strong winds, frostbite can be obtained in the fall and spring at an air temperature above zero.
Close and humid clothes and shoes, physical overwork, hunger, forced long -term motionless and inconvenient position, preceding cold injury, weakening of the body as a result of the diseases, severe mechanical damage from blood loss, etc. contribute to frostbody.
Statistics indicate that almost all the severe frostbite that led to amputation of the extremities occurred in a state of strong intoxication.
Under the influence of cold in the tissues, complex changes occur, the nature of which depends on the level and duration of the temperature. Under the action of a temperature of up to -10O --20OS, in which most frostbite occurs, vascular changes in the form of a spasm of the smallest blood vessels are of importance.
Degree and signs of frostbite.
By the nature of the defeat, four degrees of frostbite are distinguished:
First- the lightest superficial, on the frostbite after warming, swelling, pain, redness of the skin develops;
The second- bubbles filled with transparent liquid appear on the skin;
The third- bubbles containing a bloody liquid are formed, after several days, the areas of murderer are formed in their place;
Fourth- damage to the skin, soft tissues and bone structures.
The protruding parts of the body are most often subjected to frostbite: toes and arms, nose, cheeks, ear sinks.
In the initial stages of frostbite, only a pale of the skin, loss of sensitivity is observed. With deep frostbite, the affected area of the body has a characteristic look: the skin is cold to the touch, insensitive, pale, the limb makes the impression of the petrified. After warming, edema, severe pain, bubbles, loss of sensitivity quickly develops. The lack of restoration of the pain sensitivity of the skin during the day indicates the frostbite of the 3rd and 4th degree.
One of the types of cold injury is chilling-chronic frostbite of the 1st degree. It occurs with constant, albeit not strong cooling: when working on the street in cold damp weather or in raw rooms, when wearing close unscarhed shoes. The suffering of brushes, stop, ear shells, less often on the nose and cheeks, appear reddish-blue or crimson spots, the skin swells, becomes tense, cold to the touch, and the patient feels itching, burning, pain, especially with rapid warming.
First aid for frostbite
With deeper frostbite, it is necessary to wrap the affected areas of the body with dry and warm clothes, to ensure the delivery of the victim to the nearest medical institution. Later, the appeal for medical help, especially with severe frostbite, threatens with very dangerous complications.
Rubbing snow is unacceptable! Snow crystals easily injure the skin, already damaged with freezing, moisturize, reduce the temperature, thereby contributing to the deepening of the lesion.
Actions in the provision of first aid differ depending on the degree of frostbite, the presence of general cooling of the body, age and related diseases.
Prevention of hypothermia and frostbite.
There are several simple rules that will allow you to avoid hypothermia and frostbite.
Do not drink alcohol - alcohol intoxication (however, like any other) actually causes a greater loss of heat, while causing the illusion of heat. An additional factor is the inability to concentrate on signs of frostbite.
Do not smoke in the cold- smoking reduces the peripheral circulation of blood, and thus makes the limbs more vulnerable.
Wear free clothes - this contributes to normal blood circulation. Dress so that between the layers of clothing there are layers of air, perfectly holding heat. Outerwear must be waterproof.
Close shoes, the absence of insole often serve as the main prerequisite for the appearance of scuffs and frostbite. Particular attention should be paid to shoes for those who often sweat their legs. In the boots you need to put warm insoles, and instead of cotton socks, put on woolen - they absorb moisture, leaving their feet dry.
Do not go out in the cold without mittens, hats and scarf. The best option is mittens from moisture -repellent and non -proceeding fabric with fur inside.
Gloves from natural materials, although convenient, are not saved from frost. Cheeks and chin can be protected by a scarf.
Do not wear metal jewelry in the cold.
Returning home after a long walk in the cold, be sure to make sure that there are no frostrings of the limbs, back, ears, nose. Frostbroke can lead to grave consequences and even loss of limb.
As soon as you felt a hypothermia or freezing of the limbs on a walk, you need to go to any warm place as soon as possible: a store, cafe, entrance - for warming and inspection that are potentially vulnerable to frostbite.
Hide from the wind - the likelihood of frostbite in the wind is much higher.
Do not urinate the skin - water conducts heat much better than air.
It should be borne in mind that in children the heat regulation of the body is not yet completely configured, and in the elderly and in some diseases, this function is impaired. These categories are more prone to hypothermia and frostbite, and this should be taken into account when planning a walk.
Letting the child walk in the cold on the street, remember that it is advisable for him to return to heat every 15-20 minutes and warm up.
Be attentive to yourself, and do not neglect measures of protection from frostbite and hypothermia
In the winter season!
Deputy Chief Physician
According to orthopedic and traumatological assistance V.A. Vrublevsky
