Which part of the body is most afraid of freezing? The temperature is about to drop sharply, be careful of frostbite!

Frostbite is a local or systemic injury to the human body caused by cold and dampness. In mild cases, it can cause transient skin damage and requires prompt treatment; in severe cases, it can cause permanent functional impairment and requires professional treatment.

Especially when the weather is cold, the exposed parts of the skin should be protected more. So which parts of our body need special attention?

Frostbite often occurs in the extremities of the body where blood circulation is poor, such as fingers, backs of hands, toes, heels, auricles, etc.

The risk of frostbite is greater among people with reduced circulation and those who do not wear adequate amounts of warm clothing during cold weather.

Beware of frostbite and pay attention to these signs

Redness or pain in any area of ​​the skin indicates that frostbite may have begun and you should leave the cold area as soon as possible or protect all exposed skin.

The following signs may indicate frostbite:

① A certain area of ​​skin appears white or grayish yellow.

②The skin feels unusually hard or waxy.

③The skin feels numb.

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Three Do's and Three Don'ts for Frostbite

If the patient has frostbite but no signs of hypothermia and is temporarily unable to receive prompt medical care, he or she may be treated as follows.

①Get into a warm room as soon as possible.

② Soak the affected area in warm water (not hot water).

③ Use body temperature to warm the frostbitten area, such as using the armpits to warm frostbitten fingers.

④Do not walk with frostbitten feet, otherwise it may increase the damage.

⑤ Do not rub or rub the frostbitten area with snow, otherwise it may increase the damage.

⑥ Do not use electric blankets, heating lamps, stoves, electric heaters, etc. for heating. The frostbitten parts are already numb and can easily cause burns.

Learn to identify the wind chill index and avoid frostbite

The wind chill index refers to the difference in perceived temperature at different wind levels and temperatures. It is related to the rate of heat loss from exposed skin caused by wind and cold.

The higher the wind level, the faster the body loses heat and the lower the skin temperature. When wind levels are very high, serious weather-related health problems such as frostbite are more likely to occur, even if the temperature is not extremely low. See the table above for the temperature it feels like and when frostbite is likely to occur at different wind levels and temperatures.

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Source: Healthy China

Editor: Wang Mengru