Providing first aid for frostbite. Methods of providing effective first aid for frostbite. The main causes leading to frostbite

Most people are well aware that elevated temperatures have a detrimental effect on skin covering. But few people are familiar with the fear of cold.

After all, this winter fun, skiing and snowboarding - so what if your hands are frozen. In fact, frostbite is a serious process, as dangerous as burns.

This damage to the dermis often requires emergency hospitalization and can easily be fatal.

Therefore, even before the ambulance arrives, it is important that first aid for frostbite is provided - a set of measures aimed at restoring blood flow and preventing the development of complications.

This term refers to damage to the dermis and tissues that appears under the influence of low temperatures.

IN medical practice The word frostbite is usually used. Usually this process affects protruding elements of the body. For example, ears, nose, fingers and toes.

In this case, the pathological influence of cold gradually spreads from the extremities to more protected structures, which is fraught with serious consequences, including death.

Therefore, first aid for frostbite should be urgent and correct. After all, inept actions can only aggravate the patient’s condition.

It is worth considering that frostbite can also occur at above-zero temperatures, provided that the air humidity is high and a strong wind is blowing.

This promotes cold penetration through the dermis and destruction of soft tissue. These processes may be accompanied by necrosis and the development of septic shock.

Doctors have developed a fairly extensive classification of frostbite, because the first step in providing assistance is to identify the extent of the damage.

Depending on the type of influence low temperatures, medical classification distinguishes the following types of process:

  1. Acute defeat. This local lesion.
  2. Freezing process. Defeat covers internal organs(we are talking about severe general hypothermia, up to freezing) or leads to necrosis of soft tissues.
  3. Chronic exposure to cold. Freezing often leads to the development of diseases such as neurovasculitis or chills.

Depending on the complexity of the lesion, there are 4 degrees general defeat:

  1. Easy.
    The skin has a pale, bluish tint. The patient feels chills and speech is difficult. Heart rate is slow (60 – 66 beats/minute). Blood pressure is within normal limits or slightly elevated, respiratory function not broken. Also on the patient’s body you can find areas with mild frostbite.
  2. Average.
    There is a decrease in temperature to 29 – 32 °C. The patient wants to sleep, his consciousness is confused, his gaze is lifeless. The dermis is cold, its shade is bluish, marble. The heart rate slowed down even more (50 – 60 beats/minute), blood pressure dropped slightly. Breathing disturbances appear: it is slow (8 – 12 breaths per 1 minute) and superficial. You can notice signs of frostbite of the dermis of varying degrees. This occurs with severe hypothermia, which can be fatal.
  3. Heavy.
    The patient does not regain consciousness, which is accompanied by convulsions and vomiting. The dermis has a bluish tint and is extremely cold, to the point of icing. The temperature does not exceed 31 °C, and contractions of the heart muscle have decreased to 36 beats in 60 seconds. Arterial pressure sharply reduced, breathing is weak and practically absent (no more than 3–4 breaths/minute). The patient is covered in areas of severe frostbite and icing.
  4. Immersion.
    This is a specific type of frostbite that affects the feet. The standard medical classification does not contain it. It occurs when air mass temperatures exceed 0°C. Optimal conditions For its development are high humidity and prolonged exposure to dampness. Symptoms can range from redness and numbness to red blisters and gangrene.

Depending on the causes of the pathology, 2 more types are distinguished:

  • contact;
  • resulting from hypothermia from exposure to cold air.

Depending on the depth of the damage, there are 4 more degrees of frostbite:

A dangerous companion to frostbite is hypothermia. This leads to the development of a number of internal processes that are often irreversible.

In case of frostbite and hypothermia, it is important to get to the hospital or get first aid as quickly as possible. After all, the lack of correct actions can lead to gangrene, sepsis and even death of the patient.

First aid for victims of cold exposure

The most important step What you should do when you find a person with frostbite is call an ambulance.

After all, before warming up it is difficult to assess the degree of cold damage. If the arrival of doctors is delayed, it is worth determining the degree of frostbite and starting to provide assistance.

The range of measures that will help the patient is directly related to the severity of the lesion. After all, providing first aid for 1st degree frostbite is significantly different from similar actions with damage to levels 3–4.

However, having discovered the victim, the following actions should be taken:

  1. Move it to the nearest warm room, preventing continued exposure to cold.
  2. Remove frozen clothing items (shoes, gloves, socks).
  3. Warm the affected area. If this is a first-degree lesion (there are no blisters, swelling has not appeared or is mild), then warming consists of rubbing with warm hands, massage and rubbing with woolen materials. This will restore blood circulation and warm the limb. For grade 2–4 dermal injuries, these actions are inappropriate, so in this case you should skip this step.
  4. Apply an insulating bandage to the affected area. This can be gauze, cotton wool, etc., covered with oilcloth or dense material, preferably rubberized.
  5. In case of frostbite of II-IV degree, the affected areas should also be isolated by applying a splint made of cardboard, boards, or any hard materials at hand. They are literally bandaged to the affected area, filling the voids with any heat-insulating materials: cotton wool, gauze, wool, etc.
  6. General warming of the body. It is important to give the victims warm tea, broth or hot food.
  7. You should also give Analgin (1 t.), Aspirin (1 t.), No-Shpu (2 t.) and Papaverine (2 t.).

In case of injuries such as frostbite, you should never rub the victim with snow or use a fire, heating pads or similar devices to warm him up.

Also, do not rub oil, fat, alcohol or cream into the affected area under any circumstances, as this will worsen the lesion.

Knowing these simple rules, you can easily recognize frostbite and be able to determine its approximate extent.

The main thing to remember is that if you find a victim, immediately call ambulance. After all, qualified doctors can save his life!

During the cold season there is a danger of frostbite. This is damage to areas of the skin, body, and limbs from exposure to low temperatures. It comes in two types:

  • damage to tissues and blood vessels, as a result of slowing down blood circulation in the damaged part of the body (at –10, –20 degrees below zero);
  • damage to a part of the body up to its complete necrosis (at a temperature of –20 and above).

Correctly provided first aid for frostbite can protect against disability and save a person’s life.

Signs of frostbite

There are four degrees of frostbite in total. Each of them has its own symptoms:

  1. First degree. Itching, burning, and redness appear in the damaged area. Possible blue discoloration and swelling.
  2. The second degree is characterized by death upper layers skin. Blisters appear that contain clear liquid. As a result, the skin is restored, scars are formed only if assistance is not provided in a timely manner.
  3. In the third degree, rejection of the skin and subcutaneous tissue occurs. Blisters containing exudate form. After treatment, tissue healing occurs, leaving scars.
  4. The fourth degree is the most difficult. Necrosis occurs not only of the skin, but also of bones, cartilage, and joints. Over the next 2 - 3 months, frostbitten tissues separate from living tissues. Along the line of their contact, a granulation shaft is formed, which promotes the rejection of dead areas.

Severe frostbite leads to amputation of limbs, loss of ears, and gangrene. They are accompanied by diseases caused by the body being in a hypothermic state for a long time: pneumonia, tonsillitis, and the development of infections is possible.

First aid for frostbite

Light warming massage for frostbite.

First you need to assess the extent of tissue damage. If the victim has not spent much time in the cold and there is only numbness, swelling and redness or blueness of the skin, you need to do the following:

  • move the victim to a warm place;
  • warm the damaged area with your breath or body heat;
  • give a light warming massage;
  • you can immerse the injured limb in water, no more than 20°C, and gradually add warm water bring it to 40°C;
  • wrap a woolen scarf around the cold-affected area or simply soft cloth;
  • put the victim to bed;
  • drink tea with lemon;
  • from medicines You must take a tablet of Aspirin and No-shpa.

After all these actions, tingling and slight pain should be felt in the frostbitten area, as signs that blood circulation is returning to normal. The only consequences to be expected in this case are slight peeling of the skin, which will go away without a trace. On your own, you may incorrectly determine the degree of tissue damage, so you still need to call a doctor at home.

In a situation where a person has spent long time in the cold and signs of the second, third or even fourth degree are visible, first aid is as follows:

  1. If possible, move the victim to a warm room.
  2. Cover the damaged area with a thermal insulating bandage. You can take cotton wool or gauze or do it yourself. It should consist of 7 layers, each next larger than the previous one in area.
  3. Cover the thermal insulating bandage with oilcloth.
  4. Wrap a warm woolen scarf or cloth around the affected limb.
  5. Call an ambulance or take yourself to medical institution.

You need to make sure that the frostbitten limb does not become hypothermic again, so wrap it with a blanket or improvised means (for example, a jacket, sweater).

What should you not do if you have frostbite?

Do not rub snow on a damaged area of ​​skin.

Some actions may worsen the patient's condition. When providing first aid, one must be guided by the principle: “Do no harm!” Forbidden:

  1. Rub the affected area vigorously. This may cause mechanical damage tissues and blood vessels.
  2. Rub the skin with snow, alcohol, and fat. This will lead to infection and injury.
  3. Trying to warm up your limbs hot water, by the fireplace or stove. Thus, a thermal burn will be added to frostbite.
  4. Do not remove your shoes from frostbitten feet outside! You will not be able to put the boot back on because of the swelling and will get re-hypothermia of the limb!
  5. Offer the victim to warm up with tonics and alcoholic drinks.

Rubbing or massaging damaged areas in the cold is dangerous. Try to transport the victim to a medical facility as carefully as possible. The only warming drinks you can offer are sweet tea or herbal decoction. The victim is also prohibited from smoking, as nicotine constricts blood vessels and reduces blood supply to the extremities.

Preventive measures

Frostbite of parts of the body and tissues occurs due to hypothermia of the body. For this, it is not necessary to have a temperature below zero outside or indoors. From +4 to +8 with high humidity, significant hypothermia of the body is also possible. The following situations lead to frostbite:

  1. Staying outside or in an unheated room for a long time during the cold season.
  2. Using moisturizer before going outside.
  3. Clothes and shoes are out of season.
  4. Long stay fresh air able alcohol intoxication in the cold season.
  5. Damp, tight shoes combined with air temperatures of 0 and below lead to frostbite on the feet, which is called “trench foot.”
  6. Touching very cold metal objects causes instantaneous damage to the skin, similar to a burn.

First of all, exposed areas of the body and limbs are affected: hands, feet, fingers, nose, ears. The following precautions will help you avoid frostbite:

  • make sure that the room temperature is +18 degrees or higher;
  • do not stay outside for a long time on frosty days;
  • in autumn, winter and until mid-spring, be sure to wear a hat, scarf, gloves, warm outerwear, boots or boots;
  • wear thermal underwear under your clothes;
  • buy high-quality winter shoes half a size larger, your feet should feel free;
  • If you are intoxicated, call a taxi and do not walk home;
  • do not drink alcohol on the street during the cold season;
  • in a snowstorm, snow storm, severe frost don't leave the house;
  • in winter, use a protective oily cream for the skin of the face and hands, or better yet, goose fat or lard;
  • Do not use moisturizers before going outside.

If you feel like you're getting cold, wiggle your fingers and toes and move around to get your blood flowing and warm up. After you come home from the cold, drink hot tea with lemon or a herbal infusion. In winter and autumn, give preference to hot, high-calorie foods, this will make it easier for the body to cope with hypothermia.

Frostbite can cause atrophy of nerve endings, lead to partial or complete amputation of limbs and even death. Remember! Timely provision of first aid for frostbite and careful transportation of the victim to the hospital will help to avoid severe consequences!

Long-term influence of low temperatures on human body often ends in frostbite. This mainly occurs at temperatures below -10 °C, but high humidity coupled with strong winds can cause damage to the skin at higher temperatures. high temperature air. Disturbances that occur in the structure of the skin depend on the duration of exposure to the cold and the literacy with which first aid for frostbite was provided. If you spend a long time outdoors, anyone whose clothing does not match the weather conditions can suffer.

Causes of frostbite

According to statistics, most of people who received frostbite were intoxicated. Other factors that may lead to these consequences include:

  • malaise, physical fatigue and hunger;
  • chronic diseases of the cardiovascular system;
  • wet clothes, increased sweating bodies;
  • injuries resulting in severe blood loss;
  • staying in one position for a long time without moving.

Freezing leads to spasms small vessels, after which blood circulation slows down, the work of tissue enzymes stops, and cell death occurs.

Stages

To provide first aid, it is important to correctly determine the degree of tissue damage. Frostbite is divided into several stages.


It is impossible to accurately state the degree of injury at the initial stage. The severity can be determined after a few days, after the first signs of frostbite appear and tissue begins to be torn away.

First of all, you need to carry out a set of necessary emergency warming measures and then be sure to deliver the victim to a surgeon or traumatologist.

Providing emergency assistance

Providing assistance to the victim emergency assistance, you need to remember that you should not try to warm a person hot water. This measure will lead to the fact that narrowed vessels will not be able to quickly expand, and heated tissues will require an increased volume of oxygen and will not receive it.
The required algorithm of actions is as follows:

  • take the victim out of the cold into a warm room;
  • It is recommended to drink warm tea and coffee to warm the body;
  • take one of the medications: Papaverine, No-Shpa, Aspirin;
  • in case of mild frostbite on the hands, ears, nose or cheeks, they should be rubbed with your hand or a soft cloth until tingling and redness begin; snow should not be used;
  • in case of severe frostbite, a gauze bandage with a thick layer of cotton wool inside is required on the affected part of the body, which is wrapped on top with a woolen scarf; in case of severe damage to the extremities, they must be fixed using improvised means, a bandage with a heat-insulating layer is applied on top; in case of severe pain, the victim must be given painkillers facilities;
  • If necessary, you need to change wet clothes to dry ones.

Providing first aid depends not only on the stage of frostbite, but also on the degree of cooling of the body.

  1. Easy. Body temperature is not lower than 32 °C. The skin is pale, bluish, and “goose bumps” syndrome is observed. Heart rate 60-66 beats/min. Blood pressure is normal or slightly elevated. Breathing is not difficult. Chills and difficulty speaking.
  2. Average. Temperature from 29 to 32 °C. The skin is pale bluish with a marbled mesh, cold. Heart rate 50-60 beats/min. BP is greatly reduced. Breathing is shallow, on average 10 breaths per minute. There is a depressed state, drowsiness, and an absent-minded look.
  3. Heavy. The temperature drops below 29 °C. The skin is cold, bluish. Pulse no more than 36 beats/min, faintly palpable. BP is greatly reduced. Breathing up to 5 times per minute, shallow. The victim is often unconscious, convulsions and vomiting are possible.

At mild frostbite a doctor may recommend warming up in a warm bath with a gradual increase in water temperature from 24 to 36-37 ° C. In other cases, a person suffering from cooling needs to be urgently taken to the hospital.

Traditional medicine methods

Traditional medicine has in its arsenal a large number of means that can be used for frostbite.


Prevention of complications

The main goal of first aid after frostbite is to restore heat exchange and blood circulation in the affected part of the body. These measures reduce the likelihood of developing undesirable consequences.

Rubbing goose fat, badger or bear lard are effective only when weak degree frostbite and are not recommended for rubbing into blisters.

Massaging and rubbing, using methods of quick warming, and drinking alcoholic beverages during frostbite are prohibited, as this can cause harm to damaged tissues.

Frostbite (frostbite) is tissue damage that occurs at low temperatures (usually below −10 ºC). Can be observed even at zero temperature environment– in cases where large heat losses occur per unit time.

Source: depositphotos.com

First of all, protruding and insufficiently protected parts of the body are exposed to aggressive influence: ears, nose, cheeks, hands, feet. Subsequently, general hypothermia of the body develops with a decrease in body temperature to critical levels.

Risk factors that reduce the effectiveness of thermoregulation and contribute to the development of frostbite:

  • increased heat transfer (sharp wind, high humidity, light clothing);
  • local microcirculation disorder (tight shoes, prolonged immobility, forced body position);
  • accompanying conditions that weaken the body’s resistance to extreme influences (trauma, blood loss, physical or emotional exhaustion, stress);
  • vascular diseases.

The greatest risk of frostbite, according to statistics, are persons intoxicated (heavily or medium degree severity). This is due to partial or complete disorientation, a slower response to stimuli, and a specific vegetative background.

Depending on the duration and intensity of aggressive exposure, as well as on the nature of tissue damage, 4 degrees of frostbite are distinguished.

The initial manifestations are similar in all cases (which does not allow us to reliably determine the degree of frostbite in the first hours after the injury):

  • pale and cold skin;
  • decreased sensitivity.

After the first common symptoms Symptoms specific to each degree of frostbite develop:

  1. It is characterized by mild soreness of the skin; after warming, intense redness and slight swelling are noted; peeling of the affected areas is possible without the development of necrosis. In 5-7 days skin manifestations completely disappear.
  2. Blisters appear on damaged areas of the skin within 24-48 hours different sizes filled with transparent (serous) contents. Painful sensations intense, characterized by itching and burning of injured skin. With proper treatment, the skin condition is restored in 7-14 days, scar deformities There are no lesions at the site.
  3. Necrosis of the damaged skin occurs, which leads to loss of sensitivity and the formation of massive painful blisters with a purplish-bluish base, filled with bloody contents. Subsequently, the blisters necrotize and are rejected with the formation of scars and granulations. Scarring can last up to a month, and rejection of the nail plates also occurs, sometimes irreversibly.
  4. It manifests itself as total necrosis of not only the skin, but also the underlying soft tissues (up to the bones and joints). The injured areas of the skin are cyanotic, after warming a sharply increasing swelling forms, there are no blisters, the sensitivity of the skin is not restored after warming, and gangrene subsequently develops. The affected areas are subject to amputation.

With prolonged exposure to low temperatures, general hypothermia is possible, as evidenced by a decrease in body temperature to 34 ºС and below (up to 29-30 ºС in severe cases). Depending on the severity, the condition manifests itself as depression of respiratory, cardiovascular and nervous systems varying intensity, up to coma and death.

First aid for frostbite

In case of damage of any intensity, it is first necessary to as soon as possible take the victim to a warm room. If there is a possibility of re-frostbite, the damaged part of the body should not be allowed to thaw; otherwise, you should cover it carefully. Further measures depend on the degree of frostbite.

For frostbite of the first degree you need:

  • warm the affected areas of the skin (by breathing, gentle rubbing with a soft woolen cloth or hands);
  • apply a warming cotton-gauze bandage in several layers.

For frostbite of II–IV degree you need:

  • exclude rapid warming (massage, rubbing);
  • apply a heat-insulating bandage (bandage and cotton wool in several layers, you can use scarves, wool, shawls);
  • fix the frostbitten limb;
  • call an ambulance medical care.

What should you not do if you have frostbite?

  • rub the frostbitten surface with snow or a hard cloth (there is a high probability of injury and subsequent infection of the damaged skin);
  • expose the frostbite site to intense heat (using hot bath, heating pad, heater, etc.);
  • rub damaged skin with oil, fat, alcohol, as this can complicate the course of the disease;
  • open the blisters yourself and remove necrotic tissue.

When should you see a doctor?

At home, only first degree frostbite can be treated; in all other cases it is necessary to seek specialized help.

In case of frostbite of the second degree, the opening of the blisters and their treatment are carried out in conditions surgical room. To prevent infection, an aseptic dressing is applied and appropriate therapy is prescribed.

In case of grade III–IV frostbite, necrotic tissue is removed in a hospital setting and anti-inflammatory and antibacterial therapy is administered.

With the onset of winter, the number of calls to medical institutions, in which a significant proportion consists of damage from cold: freezing (general cooling) and frostbite of individual parts of the body. Cold injuries are often very serious, leading to disability and sometimes death. The development of severe consequences largely depends on the quality of care for frostbite.

Shulepin Ivan Vladimirovich, traumatologist-orthopedist, highest qualification category

Total work experience over 25 years. In 1994 he graduated from the Moscow Institute of Medical and Social Rehabilitation, in 1997 he completed a residency in the specialty “Traumatology and Orthopedics” at the Central Research Institute of Traumatology and Orthopedics named after. N.N. Prifova.


Frostbite should be understood as the death of living tissue cells due to a prolonged decrease in temperature, at which metabolism is impossible. When exposed to cold, the following happens:

  1. First, the blood vessels in the cooled area dilate, for example, reddening of the cheeks in the cold. This - defense mechanism, aimed at warming by increasing blood flow.
  2. Continued cooling leads to a decrease general temperature bodies, which is very dangerous.
  3. In response to a drop in temperature, a protective reaction is activated again, but this time aimed at solving a more serious problem - saving body temperature. Blood vessels in the affected area they narrow and the heat supply stops.
  4. In the frostbitten area they stop life processes, tissue death occurs - necrosis.

However, the body cannot cope with long-term exposure on its own; its reserves are limited. If you interrupt this chain of events at the very beginning by providing assistance, you can avoid serious consequences.

Factors contributing to the development of frostbite

Why can some people stay in the cold for a long time without consequences, while others can easily freeze their cheeks, nose, fingers? The degree of tissue damage caused by frostbite depends on the age and condition of the body.

Children, the elderly and people with various diseases are most susceptible to the effects of cold.

In children, the cause is too thin skin, lack of protective fatty lubricant on it, and also insufficient developed system thermoregulation. In elderly people, against the background of atherosclerosis, blood circulation is impaired, metabolic processes are slowed down, and physical activity. People suffering from cardiovascular, endocrine, metabolic and inflammatory diseases, can easily frostbite the face or limbs due to a decrease in metabolic processes in the tissues.

A special group includes people intoxicated, they make up the majority of those affected by the frost. Alcohol is a vascular poison that causes generalized disorder blood circulation In addition, it inhibits brain processes, reduces overall sensitivity and sensations, and a drunk person cannot detect frostbite in time.

Predisposing factors also include lack of nutrition, vitamin deficiencies, smoking, inappropriate or tight clothing, shoes, too much exposure to the cold, high humidity and wind.

Symptoms and signs


Frostbite can occur in both open areas of the body (cheeks, nose, lips, ears) and closed areas (legs, arms). Symptoms develop gradually, parallel to the depth of tissue damage. The first signs are redness and stabbing pain in the skin, as if it is chapped. If the body has not warmed up, the skin becomes bluish tint, white spots appear, which indicate vasospasm and deeper damage.

Further develops loss of sensation, numb feeling and tissue swelling. Detachment of the epidermis occurs in the form of blisters with dark brownish liquid. With longer exposure, they appear areas of darkening due to tissue necrosis. This condition is dangerous, intoxication of the body develops, and body temperature rises.

The signs of frostbite in the extremities at the very beginning differ little from those in other parts of the body, but pathological process develops faster. The reason for this is the peculiarity of blood circulation, a smaller number of branched vessels. Therefore, following the appearance of blisters, areas of darkening quickly form and gangrene develops: the fingers, and often part of the foot or hand, may turn black and become insensitive.

Degrees of frostbite

The classification of frostbite depends on the depth of tissue damage; there are 4 degrees:


  • 1st - the easiest, when the superficial layers of the skin are affected, and the changes are reversible, manifested in paleness and then redness of the skin, a burning sensation and numbness, there may be slight swelling of the tissue, all phenomena disappear within a week;
  • 2nd - damage to the deeper layers of the skin, characterized by the appearance of painful blisters with transparent ichorous contents, healing lasts up to 2 weeks and passes without a trace;
  • 3rd - the entire thickness of the skin is destroyed, the blisters take on a dark color, areas of necrosis form under them, the pain intensifies, complete healing occurs within a month, skin scars remain;
  • 4th – the skin is damaged, subcutaneous tissue and deeper tissues, the area becomes blue in color, is very painful, and after warming up in the room it remains cold, and severe swelling, pain, gangrene develops on the arms and legs.

How to help and treat frostbite?


Providing first aid for frostbite is necessary, regardless of its stage. The first thing to do is to quickly eliminate the effects of cold and take the victim to a warm room. Further the algorithm of actions is as follows:

  • remove frozen clothes and shoes, dress warmly and cover the patient;
  • give a hot drink (tea, coffee, milk, fruit juice), feed, an adult can be given a small amount of alcohol;
  • give painkillers if necessary;
  • measure body temperature;
  • call an ambulance;
  • do light massage affected areas, if there are no blisters and dark spots, severe swelling;
  • Apply a dry sterile bandage to the damaged areas of the skin.

You need to warm up gradually by ambient temperature room and warm soft clothing.

Do not apply a heating pad or hot compresses.

Signs of “departure” are the appearance of pain and burning in numb areas of the skin, and the appearance of a pink color.

A child with frostbite almost always has general hypothermia, so he needs to be undressed and placed in a warm bath for half an hour, maintaining the water temperature at 37-37.5°, and given a warm drink (milk, herbal tea).

If the baby complains of burning skin or cries, you can treat the pain with one of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ( indomethacin, ibuprofen, paracetamol) at the recommended dose for age. In any case, the child needs to consult a doctor.

The doctor will prescribe further treatment, depending on the degree and nature of frostbite. The tasks of first aid are to restore blood circulation, normalize metabolic processes, and relieve intoxication. Urgent measures may also be necessary if the patient’s condition is impaired. Vascular medications, intravenous infusions of solutions, and oxygen therapy are used.

In the stage of redness and swelling, nourishing agents are used restorative ointments or creams containing panthenol, vitamins. If there are bubbles, they are opened by a surgeon in the department. Areas of necrosis are removed, and after complete rejection they are applied wound healing ointments(levomekol, methyluracil, solcoseryl). If suppuration occurs, antibiotics are prescribed, wounds are treated with hydrogen peroxide, antiseptic solutions, and antimicrobial ointments are used.

cure severe degree frostbite is possible only in a hospital setting.

Precautionary measures

Improper first aid can aggravate the victim's condition. You need to be careful and understand well what not to do in these cases:

  • disrupt the sequence of actions;
  • rub frostbitten areas outdoors, using snow;
  • Roughly rub frostbitten areas;
  • smear the skin with fatty creams;
  • treat with alcohol-containing liquids.


Conclusion

During the cold season, it is necessary to take preventive measures to protect yourself from the effects of low temperatures. And if frostbite could not be avoided, proper provision of first aid will help prevent the development of serious consequences.

How to avoid frostbite and what to do if it does happen

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