Science & Outdoors
Keep yourself safe from frostbite
Science & Outdoors Reporter
As a resident of Wisconsin, you need to embrace the winter with an attitude of making the most of it. Don’t let snow and negative temperatures keep you on the couch any longer! Unfortunately, playing in the cold has some risks. Frostbite is one of the most common cold-temperature ailments. Here’s what you need to know.
At or below 32 degrees fahrenheit, blood vessels close to the skin and farthest from the heart start to constrict. This helps to maintain core body temperature. Frostbite is most likely to happen in body parts farthest from the heart because of the constricting blood vessels. The nose, ears and digits are also very susceptible because of the high amount of surface area exposed to the cold. The combination of cold temperature and poor blood flow can cause tissue to freeze. Frostbitten areas will turn purplish at first, and then black. After a while, nerve damage becomes so great that feeling is lost in the frostbitten areas.
Frostbite must be treated immediately to avoid gangrene and the need to amputate. Re-warming (or even thawing) the tissue is the key to treatment. But, it is not recommended that severely damaged areas be immersed in water over 100 degrees because of the risk of further injury. Do not rub or move the frostbitten area excessively! Ice crystals that have formed in the skin can cause more damage if moved around. The damaged tissue should be bandaged (and splinted if possible) if treatment is not immediately available. The damaged area should also be bandaged after treatment. In every case, a visit to the hospital is necessary in order to prevent infection or further damage.
Prevent frostbite by covering the face and wearing adequate boots and gloves. Two pairs of gloves may be necessary, and keeping boots a bit loose will increase blood flow to the feet. Maintaining physical activity will keep overall body temperature high and reduce blood vessel constriction. Get inside if body parts start going numb and stiff.
