What are the signs of frostbite?

Frostbite is quite common in daily life. There are many symptoms of frostbite, which often cause the skin in the frostbite area to turn purple, red and swollen. In severe cases, it can lead to ulceration and inflammation. There have been severe cases where the wound can ulcerate and even expose the bone. Of course, there will be certain signs before frostbite occurs. For example, cold stimulation often causes poor blood circulation and itching in the frostbite area.

Symptoms of frostbite

1. Local itching of the skin is a precursor to frostbite

Local itching is the most direct precursor to frostbite. When the skin is stimulated by severe cold, the blood vessels contract for a long time, resulting in blood circulation problems. When exposed to a warm environment, the blood vessels begin to expand when they encounter heat, and the skin will feel itchy, and only local skin will feel itchy.

2. Cold local skin is a precursor to frostbite

The subcutaneous blood vessels are stimulated and contracted by cold air, and the blood does not circulate in this area of ​​the skin, so it is difficult for the local skin to heat up on its own. Therefore, before frostbite appears, this area of ​​skin is always very cold because blood cannot flow to this area.

3. Partial blackening of the skin is a precursor to frostbite

After the subcutaneous blood vessels contract due to pre-cooling, the blood circulation in this area of ​​skin is not good, which will cause congestion, so this area of ​​skin will look a little dark. However, if the skin has already turned black, then frostbite in this area has basically appeared, so prevention should be started earlier.

What to do if you have frostbite symptoms

1. Use garlic when frostbite appears

If there are signs of frostbite on a part of your skin, you can cut a garlic and then wipe the itchy area with the cross-section of the garlic. This method can promote blood circulation, restore the constricted blood vessels to normal, and avoid frostbite.

2. Keep warm if you have signs of frostbite

The appearance of signs of frostbite on local skin indicates that the skin has just been attacked by severe cold, which is a sign that proper warming measures have not been taken. Therefore, once there is a possibility of frostbite, you should protect your skin immediately to prevent it from being damaged by low temperatures again and causing frostbite.

3. Exercise when frostbite symptoms appear

If you find signs of frostbite on some parts of your skin while you are outdoors, but you don't have any medical supplies, you should exercise immediately. If signs of frostbite appear on your feet, you can run or stamp your feet, but avoid sweating on your feet. If you sweat, wipe it off immediately. If signs appear on your hands, you should rub your hands to warm them up. After they are warm, you can cover your face with your hands to prevent frostbite on your face.