SNOW OR COLD WATER BEST IN TREATING FROSTBITE
When a portion of the body not properly protected is exposed to intense or extreme cold, the tissues become affected. If the cold is sufficiently intense and the exposure is sufficiently prolonged, the part becomes frozen.
When the circulation of the blood is sluggish, as in the very young, the old and the sick, suffering from cold is likely to be more severe.
In the same way those parts of the body in which the circulation is least active, and which are least protected by clothing, as the ears, the hands and the feet, are most likely to be affected.
Blisters May Form.—In mild frostbite there usually is merely tingling and slight pain. If the cold is more intense and the exposure more prolonged, blisters form with serum or blood inside of them.
If the freezing is still further prolonged, the entire part becomes gangrenous because of the congealing of the blood within. Then the tissues appear bluish, shrunken or wrinkled and are without sensation or the power of motion.
The best treatment for frostbite at first is friction with snow or cold water in a cold room, the changes to a warmer atmosphere being brought about gradually.
After the friction the feet or hands should be swathed in cotton-wool held in position by loose bandages. If there are blisters or any discolorations of the tissues, a physician should be seen promptly.
On the speed with which proper treatment is given may depend the saving or loss of a limb.
Chilblains.—Chilblains, which also are associated with a sluggish circulation, usually produce burning heat with itching and redness, and are likely to follow prolonged exposure to cold combined with dampness.
They may be prevented by wearing warm, loose woolen stockings and warm shoes. The feet should be bathed in warm water daily, and after the bath should be rubbed briskly, quickly dried and dusted with a plain dusting powder.