Threats of frostbite health hazards are often underestimated

At temperatures below zero degrees threaten quickly frostbite
Hardly anyone has expected it, but the winter has actually fallen over much of Germany. Normally awkward people react in many places to the frosty temperatures. This can quickly become a risk if, for example, threatened by frostbite frostbite.

For the coming days meteorologists expect temperatures to minus 15 degrees Celsius. "But only a few people know that even at zero degrees Celsius and wind threaten frostbite," warned the University Hospital Freiburg. How frostbite can be avoided and what to do in an emergency is explained in a recent press release by the University Hospital.

Unfortunately, the initially recognizable changes in the appearance of the skin do not say much about the extent of frostbite. (Image: eyetronic / fotolia.com)

Formation of frostbite initially difficult to see
The Medical Director of the University Emergency Center (UNZ) at the University Medical Center Freiburg, Dr. med. Thorsten Hammer, and the Medical Director of the UNZ, Dr. med. Hans-Jörg Busch, provide important information on how to deal with the minus degrees in view of the cold snap. Frostbite, for example, can be recognized by a feeling of numbness, whereby "slight frostbite at first can not be distinguished from the heaviest courses" Bush. Particularly at risk are hands, feet, ears and nose.

React fast
In frostbite, the blood vessels constrict by the cold and the body parts are no longer optimally supplied with oxygen. The tissue takes damage and begins to die. The Freiburg experts recommend reacting as quickly as possible to severe hypothermia or frostbite: Exercise and careful massage of the affected body parts are appropriate. However, it depends on the situation in which those affected are.

Do not take off shoes on the spot
If, for example, the toes are affected by skiers or snowboarders, the experts advise to drive into the valley as far as possible before taking off their shoes. "Because heating warms the feet and in case of doubt no longer fit in the shoes," reports the University of Freiburg. If this happens on the slopes, those affected could get even worse.

Heavily undercooled people need a rescue transport
Countermeasures such as rubbing the undercooled areas with snow are, according to Dr. To refrain from hammering as this would "in the worst case, a short-term hypothermia to a permanent frostbite" could. Furthermore, people who are very much under-cooled should be transported by ambulance personnel, as they are already at risk for a collapse of the cardiovascular system in light exertion, the experts warn.

First aid in the warm
As soon as a warm environment is reached, according to the experts, hot, sweetened drinks help to warm up and various measures can alleviate the effects of frostbite. For example, a water bath with a maximum of 40 degrees Celsius warm water. If bubbles show signs of frostbite, they should not be opened, according to the experts. If the bubbles appear bright and monochrome after reheating, "the chances of recovery are quite good," reports the Freiburg University Hospital. On the other hand, permanent damage is to be expected with dark and blood-filled bubbles.

Frostbite can usually be prevented
In principle, possible frostbite should be clarified by a doctor, because "depending on the severity of the frostbite, further measures such as the wound care of the damaged areas are necessary" Hammer. In order to avoid frostbite, the experts advise at appropriate minus degrees before all too breathable, windproof clothing and sufficiently large shoes. If you sweat, wet clothing should be replaced in time for replacement clothing and on longer trips outdoors, it is advantageous to carry a "first aid aluminum blanket" for thermal protection. "The most important thing is to be well prepared and not overstrained in terms of physical fitness," emphasizes Dr. med. Hammer. "In addition, you should always be accompanied," the expert continued. (Fp)