Frost Bite Season!

1/4/2022 (Permalink)

By wearing multiple layers, you ensure that all heat is being kept internally to prevent being exposed to the cold temperatures,

Many people don't wear the proper amount of layers to help protect themselves from unsafe weather conditions. It only takes 30 minutes of being exposed to low temperatures to develop frostbite, with severe consequences.

Frostnip

Frostnip is a mild form of frostbite, which will quickly develop into a more severe type of frostbite if kept in cold temperatures. If left out in the freezing temperatures, it will progress into a complete numbness in the affected area. When dealing with frostnip, you need to take immediate action, which comes from the reheating of the skin. The sigh of relief is when you can feel a slight tingling pain, which means blood flows throughout the affected area.

Frostbite

Often, frostbites are pointed out by someone unaffected because the affected person lacks the feeling in their body. When you notice a slight discoloring on someone's skin is when you should seek immediate medical assistance. There are two stages of frostbite, superficial and deep, different.

Superficial Frostbite

The first indicator that its frostbite and not a frostnip is when you notice a slight discoloring of the skin. If caught early on, you can reheat the skin, but it might have a mottled look with the possible stinging pain. When the skin is reheated, you shouldn't freak out if liquid blisters form 12-36 hours after reheating. 

Deep Frostbite

Deep frostbite is when all layers of the skin and tissue are either damaged or dying. Bold discoloring is a good indicator of this type of frostbite, but the primary symptoms are losing all sensation of cold or discomfort in the area. Large blisters are expected to form 25 to 48 hours after rewarming. The biggest concern is if the joints and muscles stop working, which indicates that they are drying.

Knowing What To Look For

If you are anyone notices any of these symptoms, you should seek medical attention:

• Increased pain, swelling, inflammation in the affected area.
• Fever.
• When the skin is brutal, cold, or blotchy.
• In severe cases, you have a higher chance of developing hypothermia, with the symptoms being intense shivering, slurred speech, drowsiness, and the loss of coordination.  

We at SERVPRO of Ottumwa/Pella want you're to stay warm during these chilly times. If you are spending a lot of time outdoors, ensure you return to the warmth to prevent getting frostbit.