Common Cold-Induced Problems
Frostbite
Frostbite is a severe reaction to cold exposure that causes freezing in the deep layers of skin and tissues.
Frostbite can cause permanent damage and even cause amputation of the affected area. While frostbite usually occurs when temperatures are 30 degrees Fahrenheit or lower, wind chill factors can allow frostbite to occur in above freezing temperatures.
Frostbite usually affects the extremities, particularly the feet and hands. (see picture) However, frostbite can also affect the ears and nose. The affected body part will be cold, tingling, stinging or aching followed by numbness. The skin color turns red, then purple, then white, and is cold to the touch. There may also be blisters in severe cases.
Treatment
Early recognition and care for a frostbitten victim can reduce or even eliminate future complications. Minor frostbite can be treated by simply re-warming the area using skin-to-skin contact, such as a warm hand. If more serious, get the person to a warmer place.
If a person shows signs of frostbite, but no signs of hypothermia and immediate medical care is not available, the CDC recommends the following:
- Get the person into a warm room as soon as possible.
- Unless absolutely necessary, do not walk on feet or toes that show signs of frostbite—this increases the damage.
- Do not rub the frostbitten area with snow or massage it at all. This can cause more damage.
- Put the areas affected by frostbite in warm—not hot—water (the temperature should be comfortable to the touch for unaffected parts of the body).
- If warm water is not available, warm the affected area using body heat. For example, you can use the heat of an armpit to warm frostbitten fingers.
- Do not use a heating pad, heat lamp, or the heat of a stove, fireplace, or radiator for warming. Affected areas are numb and can easily burn.
Don’t substitute these steps for proper medical care. Frostbite should be checked by a health care provider. And remember, Hypothermia is a medical emergency and immediate medical care is necessary.
A worker was wearing a thermo-insulated jacket, overalls, and gloves and began work in the freezer department of a supermarket chain warehouse. His work consisted of selecting produce off warehouse shelves and delivering the product to the designated freezer truck.
At the completion of the eight-hour work shift, he went home and soon realized that he was in unbearable pain and the toes on both his feet were black and blistering. He immediately left the house and went to the hospital where his feet were treated for frostbite and he was hospitalized.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
2-4. What condition is an employee suffering from if the skin color turns red, then purple, then white, and is cold to the touch?
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