{"id":1334,"date":"2021-12-16T17:24:50","date_gmt":"2021-12-16T17:24:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/msapc.com\/hand-center\/?p=1334"},"modified":"2021-12-16T17:25:22","modified_gmt":"2021-12-16T17:25:22","slug":"know-the-signs-of-frostbite","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/msapc.com\/hand-center\/2021\/12\/16\/know-the-signs-of-frostbite\/","title":{"rendered":"Know the Signs and Dangers of Frostbite"},"content":{"rendered":"

We all know it’s important to wear adequate clothing and avoid spending too much time outdoors on particularly cold Michigan days. But fewer people understand just how damaging frostbite of the hands can be.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Frostbite in the hands can be mild to severe and requires treatment, sometimes including hospitalization. When the injury is significant enough, amputation may be required even after the best treatments. Problems can persist for months or even a lifetime. These may involve chronic pain and\/or numbness, finger sweating, and skin or nail changes. The area may also be more sensitive to cold in the future and develop arthritis from the loss of good cartilage cells in the joints.<\/span><\/p>\n

That’s why it’s so important to understand the warning signs and treatment of this condition.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Watch For and Treat Frostnip First
\n<\/b>Frostnip is the condition that occurs before frostbite and affects the skin layers of the hands. The skin may become red at first, and then pale, waxy, and numb. Warming up the tissues can prevent frostbite and the loss of tissue. If frostnip is not treated and cold exposure continues, permanent damage and even finger loss can result.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What is Frostbite?
\n<\/b>Frostbite happens when the hands are exposed to freezing conditions for too long. It\u2019s caused by the constriction of blood vessels in the limbs as the body tries to keep its core warm.<\/p>\n

As the tissue of the hand freezes, it can lead to the creation of damaging ice crystals in the body. Damaging ice crystals form between cells first, and then inside cells, causing further damage. The longer and more severe the cold exposure, the deeper the tissue \u2014 and even bone \u2014 that can be damaged. The longer tissue is frozen, the higher the chance of severe damage including thickening or clotting of the blood. Dying cells can release toxins into the body and eventually stop functioning. Damage to the blood vessel lining can result from long cold exposure and rewarming that happens too quickly.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In many frostbite cases, it\u2019s not easy to get the individual to the hospital quickly enough. The best course of action is to take the initial treatment step yourself before medical personnel can arrive or you can get to a hospital.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If you’re with someone experiencing frostbite, follow these Dos and Don’ts before arriving at the hospital:<\/span><\/p>\n