10/15/2018 / By Russel Davis
People living in areas with an extremely cold climate might have experienced frostbite at one point in their lives. Frostbite is a nasty condition that occurs when the skin is exposed to temperatures way below its freezing point. Tissue hypoxia, or oxygen deficiency, is the reason behind frostbite. When the body endures extreme cold, it signals a survival mechanism that narrows blood vessels in the hands, feet, and other extremities to retain heat, which is vital for the function of internal organs. This results in the formation of ice crystals in the skin or under it. Frostbites are common in North American territories such as Alaska and Canada. Children are more susceptible to this condition because they lose body heat at a much faster rate compared with adults.
As serious as frostbite might be, your kitchen or garden can have just the right remedy to combat the condition. Here is a list of natural frostbite treatments:
Frostbite symptoms include numbness in the exposed area, pain and itchiness, or pricking sensation. More severe symptoms such as skin discoloration, skin hardening, blistering, and muscle and joint stiffness are also observed.
The onset of frostbite comes in three stages: Frostnip, superficial frostbite, and severe frostbite.
Frostnip is the first stage, which is characterized by skin coldness and redness. Continued exposure to cold induces numbness and pricking sensation. Pain and tingling sensation may be felt during thawing, but no permanent damage can be observed.
Superficial frostbite is characterized by skin discoloration, which may range from pale to white. Ice crystals may have formed during this stage, which results in swelling, burning sensation, and subsequent blistering days after receiving treatment.
Severe frostbite occurs when prolonged exposure to cold results to damage in all layers of the skin. Loss of sensation as well as muscle and joint dysfunction can be noted. Large blisters can be observed a day after, which then leads to skin discoloration. Hard and black skin is a result of tissue death due to severe frostbite.
Various external and internal factors cause frostbite.
Wind, for instance, increases cold sensation that further exacerbates hypothermia. Humidity also facilitates the evaporation of skin moisture. Direct contact to cold objects may also raise the risk of frostbites. Diabetes, dehydration, and circulatory conditions are among internal factors that increase the odds of suffering frostbites. Smoking, alcohol intake and previous injuries are also associated with frostbite onset.
It is always important to seek medical attention when experiencing frostbite symptoms.
Read more ways to prepare at SurvivalMedicine.news.
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