Frostbite is an injury caused by freezing of the skin and underlying tissues of any part of the body resulting after excessive exposure to extreme cold temperature. It most often affects the nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers, or toes. Frostbite can permanently damage the body and in severe cases can lead to amputation of affected part.
You may have a greater risk of developing frostbite if you:
Because of cold the blood vessels contracts, which leads to reducing blood and oxygen supply to the affected parts.
Any of the following signs may indicate frostbite:
There are three degrees of cold injury: Frostnip, superficial frostbite, and Deep frostbite.
If you detect symptoms of frostbite, seek medical care. First determine whether the victim also shows signs of hypothermia. Hypothermia may be a more serious medical condition and requires emergency medical assistance.
(1) If there is frostbite but no sign of hypothermia.
OR
(2) If immediate medical care is not available.
Proceed as follows:
These procedures are not substitutes for proper medical care. Hypothermia is a medical emergency and frostbite should be evaluated by a health care provider.
Frostbite can be prevented. Taking preventive action is your best defense against having to deal with extreme cold-weather conditions. By preparing home and car in advance for winter emergencies, and by observing safety precautions during times of extremely cold weather, one can reduce the risk of weather-related health problems.
http://www.CDC, www.mayoclinic.org, www.webmd.com
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