Frostbite is a rare condition wherein the body's protective membrane of skin, termed as the epidermis, is damaged due to lack of oxygen supply. Frostbite generally refers to the temporary freezing of the skin (usually only skin) which results from the loss of blood vessels in the affected area (most often the hands, feet or face).
Early stages of frostbite can be treated easily at home by application of ice packs on the affected areas. Most people recover completely from early stages of frostbite with prompt medical attention.
In the later stages of the condition, frostbite results in an ice-like substance that forms on the affected areas. This ice layer blocks the oxygen supply, causing further damage to skin tissue. A person suffering from early stages of frostbite must not be left unattended because if it is not treated immediately, it could result in permanent damage.
The early stage of the condition is caused by a low level of heat in the body. When the body is exposed to cold temperatures for long periods of time, the body temperature goes down which is why the skin of the affected area becomes cold. However, in case of early stage of frostbite, this coldness causes swelling of the tissue. This swelling leads to the development of ice crystals and it eventually breaks through the skin surface.
The body temperature drops below the critical level, thus resulting in increased blood supply to the affected area
With increased circulation to the affected area, the skin tissue becomes thicker and hence, prevents further damage.
However, with an increased circulation to the initial stages, the skin of the patient may become thinner and hence, it is vulnerable to further injury. In such cases, the process of thickening of skin tissue leads to the formation of a hard mass of tissue known as a callus that sticks on to the outer surface of the skin.
As the ice crystal formation continues, this hard mass turns into a solid mass due to the high concentration of calcium. and magnesium, which are found in the ice crystals. Once the bone of the affected area becomes exposed to this high level of calcium, it cracks causing further injuries.
Although this condition can occur at any time in a patient's life, it occurs mostly during cold weather. Therefore, individuals who spend most of their time outdoors should always be especially careful while outdoors during winter and wear extra layers of clothing so as to stay warm. In order to avoid frostbite, individuals should always check their coats for holes and patches to avoid being hit by ice crystals.
Once you experience early stage of frostbite, you should first consult your doctor about what can be done to prevent further damage. Although the treatment of early stage is different from that of advanced stage, there are certain common practices that should be practiced during treatment so as to prevent further damage.
One type of treatment procedure involves applying ice to the affected area. The coldness of ice causes a decrease in the level of calcium and magnesium in the skin. Once the skin tissues lose their water content, they thicken and hence, the risk of further damage to skin tissue increases.
Once you notice that the damage to your skin is already beyond repair, you have the option of opting for surgery to remove the damaged tissues and replace them with healthy ones. In addition to surgery, ice can also be used as an adjunct therapy in order to relieve pain and facilitate healing. However, it is advised that this should only be done after consulting your doctor as there are many side effects of the procedure.
Another form of treatment that is very helpful in the treatment of early stage of frostbite is known as cryosurgery. This procedure involves freezing the affected area using liquid nitrogen. It is used for treating the bone which is damaged due to excessive ice crystal formation.
