Second-Degree Frostbite: Superficial Frostbite
Ice crystals may start to form inside your skin when exposed to the cold for added periods of time. When you touch this area, you might feel like it is hard or has a frozen sensation. Your skin may also feel warm at this stage, and you might see some swelling. Take this as a sign that your skin tissue is starting to get damaged. Even though the tissues within the layers of the skin are intact, you need immediate medical damage to ensure that there is no further damage.
When experiencing second-degree frostbite, you should begin rewarming as soon as possible. Consult a doctor so that you can be prescribed some pain medication for the rewarming process. After this, the doctor will start wrapping the affected area to protect it from more damage. To ensure that you are hydrated, intravenous fluids may also be given.
Once the process of rewarming starts, you may find some fluid-filled blisters in the injured area. This may cause the skin to become purple or blue. Moreover, some swelling may occur, and you may feel a stinging sensation. Your doctor may be able to drain the blisters as they form. However, if the blisters get infected, you will be prescribed a course of antibiotics.
Usually, individuals do not have a hard time recovering from second-degree frostbite. Undertreatment, new skin starts to form underneath the scabs and blisters. If the frostbite is prolonged and treatment is not sought, permanent damage may occur.
Third-Degree Frostbite- Deep Frostbite
Third-degree frostbite is when the infected area turns blue or looks splotchy. Moreover, you may not feel any pain as this area will become numb over time. The muscles in the injured area may start to exhibit reduced function. Moreover, people with deep frostbite may experience blood-filled blisters.
If you experience deep frostbite, you must seek immediate medical attention. Similar to the treatment for superficial frostbite, your doctor will first start by rewarming the area. Then, pain medication, along with IV fluids, will be provided, and the area will be wrapped.
Moreover, you might also be given a “clot-buster.” This is usually administered in severe cases of frostbite to increase blood flow to the area and reduce the development of blood clots.
The extent of the damage for deep frostbite cannot be determined immediately, so your doctor will have to wait and administer treatment. Sometimes, surgery may be needed to get rid of the dead tissue. However, if the damage is too great, you may experience lifelong numbness or pain in the area.
Prevention
⦁ Always check the weather forecast before leaving the house and prepare accordingly. Do not spend too much time in the cold and stay away from metal surfaces when the temperature drops.
⦁ Make sure to keep extra warm clothes so that you are not exposed to the cold. Gloves, mittens, sunglasses, ski masks, and scarves are a good idea, along with garments that are windproof and waterproof.
⦁ As soon as you get home, change out of your wet clothes.
⦁ Consume nutritious meals and stay hydrated.
⦁ Understand the signs of frostbite so that you can get treatment as soon as possible.
