By: Donovan W. Mann – [email protected]
Humboldt, IA – Extreme cold is providing an increased risk of frostbite.
Whenever there is an extreme cold weather event there is health risks associated with it. This includes the increased risk of frostbite to appendages and other areas of human skin. Dr. Benjamin Paul with the UnityPoint Clinic in Humboldt provides some advice on how to handle frostbite.
He says there are multiple tiers of frostbite with the first being a common experience for a lot of people. “First one is actually called ‘frost nip’” Dr. Paul says. The affected areas can experience numbing or pain. There could be some color changes as well. With frost nip the risk of losing function to affected areas is low.
Frostbite is the second level. This comes with another level of pain or numbness as the skin cells become frozen. The areas could become light red or purple with blisters being possible. Damage from frostbite can become permanent.
Dr. Paul says the most obvious way to prevent frostbite is to not go out into the extreme cold but use caution if it is unavoidable. Limiting exposure and time out in the cold is advised as well as avoiding wet areas. He says to wear multiple layers of warm clothing to help lower the risks.
“Do not drink alcohol before going out because that will affect how your blood vessels are able to adapt” Dr. Paul says. Another key way to limit the risk of frostbite is by staying hydrated.
Once the pain or numbness of frost nip starts to set in it is advised to get inside as quick as possible to warm up the area. Dr. Paul says “once you go inside you can warm up the fingers and toes.” He says to be careful using hot or boiled water because with numb areas it could be hard to tell just how hot the water actually is. Staying inside also crucial as a lot of time the damage is done when there is the constant thawing and refreezing of the area.
Dr. Paul say that someone should start to seek medical attention if the symptoms don’t start to decrease after about 30 minutes of attempting to warm up.
If the situation is an emergency the affect person is encouraged to seek medical treatment at HCMH’s Emergency Facility or their nearest ER.
If the situation is not an emergency but medical advice is still desired contact UnityPoint Clinic in Humboldt at (515)332-2015 or HCMH at (515)332-4200.