Students commuting to and from the university are entirely too familiar with the teeth-chattering cold of the winter months. Each year, as the days grow shorter and the temperature continues to drop, we go outside to brave the elements only to return indoors rosy-cheeked and chilled to the bone. It’s not something that is surprising when it comes to winter in Canada, and while the stinging skin on your face and extremities may not seem like a big deal as you walk from class to class across campus, the painful tingling in your nose and toes may actually be the telltale signs of frostbite.
What is frostbite?
Frostbite happens when skin is exposed to the cold for too long. Crystals of ice form between or within the tissue cells, which essentially freezes the tissue, causing cell death. In its milder form, frostbite is often referred to as “frostnip,” which is the superficial stage at which only the upper layers of skin are frozen. No permanent damage is caused by frostnip. However, if exposure to the cold continues, frostnip affected areas may develop into something more severe. If left untreated, skin and any extremities that are frozen through prolonged exposure to the cold can result in serious damage to not only the skin, but any underlying tissue as well.
Do I have frostbite?
It is important to be able to recognize the first stages of frostbite, wherein the administration of first aid can be crucial. Things to look out for when exposed to freezing temperatures that can hint toward frostbite are:
· painful tingling or burning sensations
· blistering or swelling
· numbness
· skin looks waxy and is unusually hard to the touch
· the reddening of exposed skin, which can turn into a white, bluish-white or grayish-yellow hue
Often, victims of frostbite are unaware that they have it until someone else points out the odd colour that their skin has taken on. Extreme cases of frostbite can result in permanent injury, so recognizing the symptoms are important in order to seek out appropriately timed medical attention. Continued exposure to the bitter cold can leave a frostbitten individual at significant risk to even further injury, so if you detect any of the above symptoms, you should get indoors and seek out medical attention as soon as possible.
Things that you can do as immediate first aid:
· Do not warm the area until you can ensure that it stays warm. Reintroducing frostbitten areas to the cold can worsen your condition.
· Gradually warm the affected area using body heat (ie. warming frostbitten fingertips with the heat of an armpit);
· Or, use warm water. It should not be too hot.
· Do not massage or rub the frostbitten area with snow.
· Do not apply direct heat. Affected areas are often numb, and may easily be burned.
How can I prevent frostbite?
Skin can begin to literally freeze in as little as 10 minutes depending upon the severity of the weather conditions. The wind chill factor, which can cause the temperature to drop even further, can also affect the speed at which a person can develop frostbite. It is for these reasons that adequately protecting frostbite susceptible areas—such as the face, ears, hands and feet—through dressing warmly is so important.
The danger of frostbite is real, and for people who have to go outside, the best way of preventing frostbite is to stay warm and wear proper winter attire.