Injuries and damages caused by freezing and cold
The cold weather can pose numerous health risks, especially when temperatures remain persistently low. Frostbite injuries, which most commonly affect extremities such as fingers and toes, as well as the nose and ears, can be serious problems. The signs of frostbite are not always immediately noticeable, making it important to be aware of its dangers and ways to prevent it.
In response to the cold, our body initially tries to compensate for the drop in temperature, but if the cold persists, it can lead to impaired blood circulation, which can have serious consequences. Frostbite injuries are particularly risky not only for adults but also for children, the elderly, and those with various circulatory issues. Alcohol consumption also increases the risk of frostbite as it impairs the body’s temperature regulation and diminishes judgment.
Recognizing and treating frostbite injuries is essential to avoid complications. Below, we detail the stages of frostbite injuries, their symptoms, and possible treatment methods.
Recognizing Frostbite Injuries
Recognizing frostbite injuries can be difficult, as the earliest signs are not always obvious. The cold can initially cause increased blood circulation in the skin, leading to redness. However, if the cold persists, circulation begins to deteriorate, and the color of the skin changes. At this point, the areas exposed to the cold may become numb, often followed by tingling. Late symptoms of frostbite, such as blistering, pain, and swelling, typically only appear after circulation has been restored, so many people do not immediately notice the problem.
Children are particularly at risk due to their smaller body surface area and thinner skin, as well as the elderly, who are more prone to frostbite due to poorer temperature regulation. Those with circulatory problems, such as diabetics or individuals suffering from vascular constriction, are also at greater risk. Alcohol consumption further increases the risk of frostbite, as it worsens temperature regulation and reduces awareness of potential dangers.
Stages of Frostbite Injuries
Frostbite injuries can be divided into three main stages, depending on the extent of tissue damage.
First-degree frostbite affects the upper layer of the skin, which may show whitish or yellowish discoloration. This can be accompanied by numbness and a burning sensation, and fluid accumulation may appear on the frozen area after a few hours. Skin peeling may begin days later and can last for weeks.
Second-degree frostbite indicates deeper tissue damage, where both the thickness of the skin and the subcutaneous layer may be affected. At this stage, waxy-colored areas may appear, oozing cloudy fluid. Blisters may form at the borders of the damaged areas, and the frozen body part may swell. In third-degree frostbite, symptoms indicating tissue death, such as black, hard scabs, may also appear.
Fourth-degree frostbite is the most severe condition, affecting not only the skin and muscle tissues but also the bones. In this case, the damaged tissues die, and amputation may often be necessary to prevent further complications.
Treatment of Frostbite Injuries
The treatment of frostbite injuries requires immediate intervention. The first step is to warm the frozen area, which can be done using warm hands and applying constant pressure. For example, fingers can be placed in the armpit, while shoes should be removed for toes, and the foot should be covered with a dry sock.
It is important not to rub the frozen area, as this can cause further tissue damage. Ideally, warming should be done at a temperature around 38 °C, but if the environment is cold, the frozen part should not be warmed immediately, as refreezing can worsen the situation.
Indoors, warming is recommended in water at 32-40 °C, and the use of dry heat sources should be avoided, as they are difficult to regulate. The damaged area should be treated with a dry bandage and powder, while wet dressings should be avoided.
After warming, preventing infection is crucial, as pathogens can easily enter the body through the damaged tissues. For mild infections, soaking with antiseptic properties is recommended, while more severe cases may require antibiotics. Tetanus vaccination is also mandatory.
Surgical intervention is generally considered 1-2 weeks after frostbite, once the extent of tissue death is confirmed.
Other Health Problems Caused by Cold
The effects of cold are not limited to frostbite injuries. Hypothermia, which can occur even at temperatures below 15 °C, can disrupt the body’s physiological processes, leading to severe consequences.
Cold urticaria, also known as cold allergy, is characterized by hives that appear in response to cold, resulting from the release of histamine. This condition does not lead to permanent tissue damage but can cause uncomfortable symptoms.
Frost nodules are painful, itchy swellings that can develop due to the effects of cold and moisture, and may appear even at temperatures around 0 °C. Raynaud’s disease is characterized by fingers turning white in response to cold, resulting from an excessive reaction of small blood vessels in the extremities. While these conditions do not cause frostbite on their own, they increase the risk of frostbite due to circulatory problems.
Muscle cramps triggered by cold are also more common during the winter months when the combined effects of physical activity and cold hinder blood flow. These cramps can be particularly dangerous amid the challenges posed by cold weather.
