|
If you plan to take part in outdoor activities or sports this winter, take precautions. Exposure to cold can lead to various types of injury. Exposure to wind or water can accelerate heat loss and thereby intensify the injury. Did you know that hypothermia can occur in temperatures of 45 degrees or even higher if it is wet and windy? Alcohol or drug abuse, mental impairment and injuries also put one at risk for the following cold related problems.
Chilblains:
This is the mildest form of cold injury and it involves the ears, fingers and nose. The treatment is rapid rewarming which results in itchy, painful, red, body parts. It does not cause any permanent damage.
Frost nip:
This is the mildest form of frostbite (first degree) involving fingers toes, ears and nose. Signs include tissue blanching (i.e. whitening) and decreased sensation/numbness. The treatment is rapid rewarming in a water bath of 104 to 106 degrees. There is little likelihood of blistering if the affected area is rewarmed promptly.
Superficial frostbite:
This is second degree frostbite. It Involves the skin and tissue just underlying the skin. The tissues turn white, waxy and become numb. Upon thawing severe pain is experienced. Blistering will likely occur, but no deep injury occurs. Tissues generally take 3-4 weeks to heal.
Deep frostbite:
This involves the death of skin, subcutaneous tissue, muscle (third degree) and bone (fourth degree). The tissues are discolored, hard and frozen. Healing is very slow and in some severe cases amputation may be necessary. Treatment is rapid rewarming and hospital admission.
Hypothermia:
Hypothermia occurs when the body temperature is less than 95 degrees, with the severest form less than 86 degrees. The most common cause is cold exposure due to alcohol intoxication. Cold water immersion is another frequent cause. Symptoms include diminished mental capacity, unconsciousness and sometimes coma, as well as decreased pulse and possibly arrhythmias, decreased blood pressure and shallow, slow breathing. Except for the mildest form, hypothermia is considered an emergency, which requires CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation), active rewarming both internally and externally, and close monitoring in an intensive care unit.
If you are active outdoors this winter, know the signs and symptoms of cold injuries and take the following steps to help prevent them:
- Wear layers of clothing that include windproof, waterproof outer layers.
- Wear a hat to prevent heat loss from your head.
- Wear mittens rather than gloves.
- Keep protective clothing and blankets in your car in case of a breakdown.
- Don't drink alcohol in extreme cold — alcohol causes the body to lose heat faster.
Dr. Reginald Guy is a physician in the Urgent Care Department at Longmont Clinic. He joined the Clinic in June 1990. He can be reached at 720-494-3136.
|