Health Feature Articles
Don’t get bitten by frostbite
Janet Hackert, Regional Nutrition and Health Education Specialist, Northwest Region, University of Missouri Extension
The air temperature was -10°F. With the winds, it
felt even colder. In this type of weather it doesn’t
take long for Mother Nature to take a bite – frostbite,
that is. But frostbite can be prevented.
Frostbite occurs when skin is exposed to extremely
low temperatures. Skin tissue actually freezes.
According to Ohio State University Extension, symptoms
include uncomfortable sensations of coldness and
feelings of tingling, stinging or aching. Frostbite also
results in white, waxy skin that feels hard, numb and
cold to the touch.
There are several steps to treat frostbite. Gently
place frostbitten areas in warm, 105°F water or cover
the areas with a warm dry cloth. Affected skin may be
very fragile, so avoid rubbing it with snow, massaging
or running water over the frostbitten area. These
actions can cause further damage. After warming
frostbitten parts 25-40 minutes, dry gently if needed,
and cover with dry, sterile gauze or soft, clean cloth
bandages. Seek medical attention quickly if frostbite is
suspected.
Frostbite is more likely to affect exposed areas such as hands and fingers, feet and toes, ears and cheeks. Be sure to protect these areas during extremely cold weather, even when exposure will only be for a short time. Whether it’s stepping out of a warm truck to check cattle or waiting for a school bus, you can prevent frostbite by bundling up and limiting time outside.
Layers of clothing, rather than a single heavy layer,
allow for air to be trapped between the layers. Trapped
air does a good job of holding the body’s heat in.
Layers also permit ventilation.
“Children are at greater risk than adults for frostbite because they lose heat from their skin more rapidly than adults and because they may be reluctant to come inside from their winter fun,” said Karen Funkenbusch, University of Missouri safety specialist. If the kids still want to go out and play in the snow when the temperature drops and the wind is wicked, be sure they dress warmly. Set short time limits for outside winter fun, and have them come in and warm up between the outside intervals.
Last Updated 05/05/2009
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