We are no longer afraid of Jack Frost nipping at our noses. Now we know how to deal with skin frostbites.

Frostbites are the damages of skin tissue caused by cold air or negative temperatures. Other factors that may contribute to frostbites are moisture, tight clothing that impedes right blood circulation, hunger, tiredness, cardiovascular disorders, dehydration, hypothermia, cigarette smoking, staying at high altitudes as well as various skin injuries. How do frostbite develop? In short, a small crystals of ice are created between skin cells. These crystals, in turn, are responsible for clumping red blood cells. Consequently, this leads to clots. The most prone to frostbites are nose, ears, cheeks as well as fingers and toes. When it comes to the symptoms of frostbites, there is quite a bunch them. For example, when you notice skin redness, stinging sensation, itchiness, sensation of numbness as well as grey or white colour of skin, you can be pretty sure that you have been ‘touched’ by the frost. Actually, we can distinguish four degrees of frostbite. The first one is characterized by short-term disorders of blood circulation, redness and prickling sensation. If you notice on the skin surface small blisters filled with a liquid, then you can be sure that your skin is affected by the second degree of frostbite. The third degree can be recognized due to serious epidermis and dermis damage. Skin becomes violet. The last degree affects entire parts of body together with bones. In most cases, the fourth degree of frostbite ends up with a limb amputation.

How to deal with skin and face frostbites?

It is advised to bear in mind a few rules in order to avoid all the unpleasant complications connected with frostbites. Firstly, dress yourself appropriately to the ongoing weather conditions. Wearing a hat and gloves really makes a difference. Secondly, coat your face with oily creams and cosmetics including sun protection filters. Thirdly, frostbitten spots must not be rubbed or massaged. All you would do is causing even greater damage to your skin. If your hands need warming up, place them under your armpits or put inside lukewarm water. What is more, take off the wet clothing and put on dry and clean one. Wrap yourself with a blanket. If you really need to, take a painkiller and visit your general practitioner. If it happens that your skin becomes covered with blisters, wrap them with a dressing made of gauze bandage. Do never pierce them!