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Frostbite |
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A frostbite is cold damage, where 1 or more body parts are permanently injured. Frostbite is most likely to occur in individuals with poor circulation due to arteriosclerosis (hardening and thickening of the artery walls); spasms, that can be resulted from smoking; specific neurologic disorders, and certain medications, or blood flow constriction by boots or gloves that are too tight. Exposed feet and hands are most vulnerable. The injury from frostbite is resulted from a combination of formation of icy crystals and lowered blood flow in the tissues. In frostbite, the skin turns swollen, red, painful, and then black. Cells in the chilled parts of the body die. Depending on the frostbite extension, the affected tissues can eventually recover or gangrene can progress. An individual with frostbites must be covered with a warm blanket. The frostbitten feet or hands must be warmed gradually in water that is no hotter than 100-104 degree F. The exposed person must not be rubbed with snow or warmed in front of a fire. When the individual with the frostbite is safely sheltered, hot beverages are helpful. The frostbitten parts of the body must be gently washed, dried, and wrapped in sterile bandages and kept clean if possible to avoid infections. Once the frostbite is confirmed, an antibiotic should be prescribed. Some doctors perform injection of Antitetanus. Resrpine is given by injection or mouth and is indicated to improve blood flow and dilate vessels of the blood to the frostbitten area. Most individuals improve their condition over a few months, although in some cases surgery is required later to remove the dead tissue. Because a frostbitten part can appear in more severe and larger, than it will be months later, the decision for amputation by a surgeon is usually delayed until the part has had time to recover.
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| Category |
Disease Conditions > F
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| Related Searches |
frostbite treatment information, frosbite |
| Date Submitted |
04-Nov-2005
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