frost bite :: essays research papers

cryopathy occurs when skin tissue and blood vessels are damaged from exposure to temperatures below 32 degrees fahrenheit. It mostly affects the toes, fingers, earlobes, chin, cheeks and nose, system parts which are often left uncovered in cold temperatures. Frostbite can occur rapidly or gradually, depending on the temperature conditions and how long it is exposed.Frostbite has three stages. They are frostnip, superficial frostbite, and productive frostbite. Frostnip occurs when you have this pins and needles sensation and the skin turning very white and soft. This stage has no permanent damage and whitethorn be reversed by soaking in firm water or breathing warm breath on the affected area.Superficial frostbite is the stage of frostbite when blistering occurs. the skin feels numb, waxy, and frozen. There are ice crystals that form in the skin cells and the rest of the skin remains flexible.Deep frostbite is the most serious stage of frostbite. The blood vessels, muscles, ten dons, nerves, and bone all may be frozen. This stage leads to permanent damage, blood clots and gangrene, in severe cases. You have no feeling in the affected area and there usually isnt any blistering. Serious infections and loss of lims accur frequently when frostbite reaches this stage of its development. However, even in deep frostbite, frozen lims may be saved if medical attention is obtained as soon as possible.If you are in a situation where a tolerant cant be transported to a hospital immediately, the following rewarming techniques may help until reaching an emergency facility.- Bring them indoors as soon as possible.- Apply warm towels or immerse the area in circulating warm water for twenty minutes. However DO NOT rub or use yearning water.- Do not hold the area near fire since the area may be burned due to the reduced feeling in the area.- leave the patient warm coffee or tea, but never alcohol.- Keep the affected area raised.After re-warming, a superficial frostbite will reddon and bring to pass painful as circulation resumes in the area. Blisters are likely to form within 24 hours.While a frostbite injury is healing, do the following- bend infection by leaving the blisters alone.- Watch for signs of infection such as redness, swelling, fever, oozing pus, and red streaks on skin.- Take all prescribed medications.- Dont expose the affected area to cold temperatures until cleared to do so by a physician.