Safety Tidbit 8.13 – Cold is Sneaky

Safety Tidbit 8.13 – Cold is Sneaky

Reference: Frostbite - Diagnosis and treatment - Mayo Clinic. (2022, April 27). Mayo Clinic - Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/frostbite/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20372661

This Safety Tidbit was prepared by Jon Gearhart, a Junior in the Safety, Health, and Environmental Applied Sciences Program at the Indiana University of PA, graduating in the Spring of 2024.

Frostbite can best be defined as a condition in which underlying tissues and skin freeze. This typically affects small, exposed body parts, such as the fingers and toes. This condition is caused by extreme cold, specifically in conditions like rain, snow, water, and wind. According to Mayo Clinic, there are three stages of frostbite. These include frostnip, superficial frostbite, and deep frostbite. Symptoms of this condition are easily noticeable first-hand, and a person can notice once the symptoms begin. Below is a list of common symptoms:

• Cold skin and a prickling feeling
• Numbness
• Skin that looks red, white, blue, gray, or purple, depending on the severity
• Waxy-looking skin
• Blistering after rewarming, specifically in severe cases

So what should a person do if they notice that they have frostbite? Firstly, they should immediately remove themselves from the cold weather. This step is crucial in preventing frostbite from getting to more severe stages. Next, a person should gently rewarm the area with WARM water until they regain feeling and discoloration disappears. Direct heat should not be used for this, such as a stove, a fireplace, or a heat lamp. Depending on the severity of the case, it may be entirely treatable at home. Upon severe cases, however, seek care immediately. The affected area may permanently stop working and have to be removed. Upon going to a medical professional, here are some answers to common questions about your situation that you want to come prepared with:

• List any signs or symptoms that you are experiencing, along with how long these have been going on.
• Identify your key medical information and any previous conditions you have been diagnosed with.
• Find out when your last tetanus shot was, as frostbite can increase your risk of this.

Overall, frostbite is a scary condition that can happen to anyone if they’re not prepared for it. It is important to remember some of these key facts when outside in the cold. As it could be the difference between saving a finger or not. Frostbite is very sneaky, and the early stages could easily go undetected. If you are experiencing any of the previously listed symptoms, get inside at all costs to prevent more severe symptoms. It is also important to remember to never apply direct heat to the infected area. Warm water will always do the trick if the case is not severe.

I hope this was helpful, and thank you for reading my Safety Tidbits! Comments and questions are always welcome. ~ Bryan

 

P.S. Please let me know if you have a new safety or health question.