Health Care

Frostbite is one of those things you hear about constantly during the cooler months, but what is it really when you get down to it? Well, here is your answer!

At its most simplest, frostbite is damage to the skin and underlying anatomical areas due to extreme cold. In the medical community, it is known by the term congelatio. To the surprise of many, frostbite is often considered a side effect of our natural survival instincts.

How can this be? Well, one must first understand how the body protects itself against extreme temperatures. As we all know, the body must maintain a consistent range of temperature for the internal body so that basic functions may occur. When we exert energy or get hot, we sweat. Ah, but what about when we get really cold?

The body protects itself from cold by contracting. Specifically, the blood vessels in your skin and just under it start to contract. This prevents the escape of heat and helps the body to maintain a core temperature where your organs can work.

If you get into extremely cold areas, your body will move to protect itself. It will do this by seriously contracting the blood vessels. The basic goal is to keep the core of the body warm regardless of anything else. This leads to a side effect known as frostbite.

As the body contracts the blood vessels, blood flow can be interrupted. With frostbite, the flow of blood to the end of limbs is usually the first problem. Most frostbite victims have damage to their toes and fingers first. The nose and ears are also prime problem areas. As the blood slows and stops flowing, the damaged area dies and turns black.

The obvious way to prevent frostbite is to stay out of extreme cold. If you get caught in it, try to be as active as possible as this will generate heat and keep the blood flowing. If you still have signs of frostbite, seek medical attention. Do not rub or place the impacted areas in hot water as more damage will be done.

Fortunately, most people are able to avoid situations where frostbite might occur. If you cannot, make sure to keep moving and try to get out of the cold as soon as possible.