#Ak slow burn skin

Frostbite has also played an important role in a number of military conflicts. The most common age group affected is those 30 to 50 years old. Rates may be as high as 40% a year among those who mountaineer.

The number of cases of frostbite is unknown. Evidence was documented in a pre-Columbian mummy discovered in the Andes. Įvidence of frostbite occurring in people dates back 5,000 years.

Amputation should be considered a few months after exposure in order to consider whether the extent of injury is permanent damage and thus necessitates drastic treatment. For severe injuries, iloprost or thrombolytics may be used. The use of ibuprofen and tetanus toxoid is recommended for pain relief or to reduce swelling or inflammation. Rubbing or applying force to the affected areas should be avoided as it may cause further damage such as abrasions. Rapid heating or cooling should be avoided since it could potentially cause heart stress or cause burning. Treatment is by gradual rewarming, generally from cold to warm water, and should only be done when consistent temperature can be maintained and refreezing is not a concern. Prevention is by wearing proper, fully-covering clothing, maintaining hydration and nutrition, avoiding low temperatures, and minimizing strenuous physical activity while maintaining a sufficient core temperature. A bone scan or MRI may help in determining the extent of injury. Severity may be divided into superficial (1st and 2nd degree) or deep (3rd and 4th degree). The underlying mechanism involves injury from ice crystals and blood clots in small blood vessels following thawing. Other risk factors include drinking alcohol, smoking, mental health problems, certain medications, and prior injuries due to cold. People who are exposed to low temperatures for prolonged periods, such as winter sports enthusiasts, military personnel, and homeless individuals, are at greatest risk. Complications may include hypothermia or compartment syndrome. Swelling or blistering may occur following treatment. This may be followed by clumsiness with a white or bluish color to the skin. The initial symptom is typically numbness. Most often, frostbite occurs in the hands and feet.

#Ak slow burn skin

Ibuprofen, tetanus vaccine, iloprost, thrombolytics įrostbite is a skin injury that occurs when exposed to extreme low temperatures, causing the freezing of the skin or other tissues, commonly affecting the fingers, toes, nose, ears, cheeks and chin areas. Hypothermia, compartment syndrome Īlcohol, smoking, mental health problems, certain medications, prior cold injury Īvoid cold, wear proper clothing, maintain hydration and nutrition, stay active without becoming exhausted Numbness, feeling cold, clumsiness, pale color Frostbitten toes two to three days after mountain climbingĭermatology, emergency medicine, orthopedics