Frostbite Description
According to eMedicine Health, frostbite is a condition that occurs when body tissue freezes. The condition affects people who spend a lot of time outdoors during the winter or who do not have adequate heating or shelter.
-
Symptoms of Frostbite
-
A person who has frostbite experiences numbness, itching or tingling in the affected area. His skin may also have a waxy feeling or look grayish-yellow or white, according to the Mayoclinic.com. Severe cases involve blistering or blackening of the skin. Frostbite becomes increasingly more painful as the skin thaws out.
Treatment
-
A doctor treats frostbite by warming the patient in a water bath until he has completely thawed out. eMedicine Health indicates that the doctor may choose to give the patient a narcotics-based pain medication. The doctor examines the frostbite patient completely for tissue damage. The victim may stay in the hospital for several days for observation depending upon the severity of the frostbite.
-
Prevention/Solution
-
Wear layered clothing with waterproof shoes when spending time in cold temperatures. Keep your nose, ears, face and head securely covered. Dress in warm clothing, and avoid tobacco and alcohol products.
-
