| If you ever find yourself the subject of frostbite | | | | Then dress the affected area with warm dry |
| when out in the wilderness, reading this | | | | clothing. |
| beforehand could help you greatly with the | | | | 2- If you have the capacity to warm water then |
| problem. | | | | immerse the affected area in this warm water. |
| Summer has gone, Autumn is drawing to a close | | | | The ideal temperature for the water being 100 to |
| and winter is preparing itself to envelope us all. | | | | 105 degrees F. You can also apply warm |
| The snow junkies are beginning to stir out of | | | | compresses to the area for ten to thirty minutes. |
| hibernation.. The winter season is soon to be upon | | | | 3- If you do not have access to warm water |
| us. However there can be an element of risk for | | | | then wrap the area gently in warm blankets. |
| serious injury or illness whilst pursuing outdoor | | | | 4- Avoid direct sources of heat such as electric |
| winter activities. You could find yourself lost and | | | | or gas fires, heating pads and hot water bottles. |
| isolated in extreme weather conditions. If skiing, | | | | 5- Never ever thaw the affected area if there is |
| its possible you get yourself caught up in an | | | | a danger that the area could be frozen again. This |
| avalanche. But one such danger to yourself could | | | | will cause a case of severe tissue damage. |
| be that of frostbite which in this article we shall | | | | 6- Take an available pain killer such as aspirin or |
| take a look at. | | | | ibuprofen during the re-warming period of time to |
| Frostbite is a condition caused by the freezing of | | | | lesson the pain. Whilst re-warming you will |
| water molecules in the skin cells and does occur in | | | | experience a severe burning sensation. There |
| very cold or freezing conditions. Frostbite is | | | | could also be skin blistering and tissue swelling. |
| generally characterized by white, waxy skin that | | | | When the skin has returned to a pink colour and |
| feels very numb and very hard. In more severe | | | | is no longer numb the area is thawed. |
| cases of frostbite the results are the skin turning | | | | 7- Apply clean sterile dressings to the affected |
| to a bluish black colour and finally the worst case | | | | areas. If the fingers or toes have been affected |
| scenario is that of gangrene, which can actually | | | | then place the dressings between them. Wrap |
| lead to amputation. The areas most affected by | | | | re-warmed areas to prevent refreezing and keep |
| frostbite are the fingertips, toes, the nose, ears | | | | the affected thawed areas as still as possible. |
| and cheeks. Frostbite should be treated | | | | These seven tips will help greatly with the |
| professionally by a doctor or in a hospital. But in | | | | situation and relieve as much pain as possible. But |
| cases of emergency where you are isolated for | | | | once you have access to professional help you |
| example, you take the following steps to help | | | | must seek it. But dress properly, carry |
| with the condition. | | | | emergency supplies and just be aware of the |
| 1- Remove any wet clothing or garments from | | | | threat of frostbite. With proper precautions, you |
| the affected area and dry as well as you can. | | | | hopefully will never encounter frostbite. |