WINTER ADVISORY FROSTBITE of the FINGERS PREVENT FROSTBITE

WINTER ADVISORY FROSTBITE of the FINGERS PREVENT FROSTBITE

FROSTBITE

 Frostbite occurs when the skin is overexposed to extreme cold. It can occur when the temperature and/or wind chill is below 27°F (-3°C), and it typically occurs in the fingers and toes.Cases of frostbite  are “typically the result of overexposure  —skiers, snowboarders and climbers who don't have the luxury of warming up in the lodge because they have ventured off the grid.” But it can occur anywhere that the temperature and windchill puts fingers  or toes at risk

SYMPTOMS AND TREATMENT

When caught early, most frostbite is superficial and therefore reversible. If your fingertips are white, numb and swollen, see your doctor as soon as possible. Do not rewarm your fingers if you will be overexposing them to cold weather again. Your doctor will take care of rewarming the affected areas, and a hand surgeon may be brought in to take care of any blisters.

FROSTBITE IN CHILDREN

If you are with a young child who is complaining of being cold, then go inside.  once frostbite sets in, the child will stop complaining because the area becomes numb and he or she cannot feel the problem. It is important to monitor children and yourself for signs of frostbite.

PREVENTION

To prevent frostbite, limit your time outside during cold weather; if you must venture outside, wear appropriate clothing. In extremely cold temperatures, winter athletes should consider electric boot warmers to protect their toes or gloves and mittens that have electric warming systems to protect their fingers, especially if they sustained frostbite in the past. Winter sports participants should heed warnings posted by the mountain on very cold days. 

SOURCE includes information edited and  taken from ASSH Frostbite post

PREVENT FROSTBITE As windchill increases time to frostbite decreases

https://www.assh.org/handcare/About-Hand-Surgery/Media/Details/ArticleID/45492/Frostbite-in-the-Hand READ ABOUT...
Posted by The Hand Center of Western Massachusetts on Friday, January 9, 2016