When it is wet and cold, frostbite can quickly form on fingers, toes, ears or nose. Here you can find out how to recognize such a circulatory disorder and why frostbite occurs.
Table of Contents
What is a frostbite?
Frostbite (perniones) is a cold-related circulatory disorder . This causes swelling, which primarily occurs in the hands, feet, ears and nose. The reason: Compared to other parts of the body, these areas have poorer blood circulation and are therefore particularly susceptible to frostbite.
signs of frostbite
- Initially, the skin turns bluish to reddish.
- Later, the skin may swell and blister.
- The skin may bulge.
- And can also be pressure sensitive.
- When the skin warms up again, the chilblains hurt.
- The skin also starts to itch and burn.
treat frostbite
As a rule, a chilblain recedes after weeks. In severe cases, ulcers may develop. Your doctor can also prescribe you additional nourishing ointments and medicines that dilate your vessels. Frostbite occurs when the body is exposed to moisture and cold.
How do frostbite develop?
There is no scientific explanation as to why frostbite occurs. They probably develop when the blood vessels constrict excessively when it is cold and wet. This causes circulatory disorders because the tissue is less well supplied with oxygen. Frostbite can occur at temperatures between zero and ten degrees Celsius. For this reason, you should dress appropriately for the weather and put on a hat, gloves and warm wool socks if you are going to be outdoors for a long time. Winter sports enthusiasts in particular should be dressed appropriately. You can protect your sensitive facial skin with a rich, greasy cream.
Do not confuse frostbite with frostbite
It is often wrongly assumed that chilblains are frostbite. Severe frostbite causes patches of skin that are white, cold, and hard. If these thaw, the affected area turns black, swells and hurts. In addition, blisters can form. The affected tissue feels numb and frozen hard. Most often, frostbite occurs in connection with hypothermia.
