Kiev. Ukraine. Ukraine Gate – February 12, 2021 – Health
In Ukraine, temperatures have dropped to critical levels, which has led to an increase in hospitalizations of people with hypothermia and frostbite. And experts emphasize that such fluctuations in low temperatures can significantly affect human well-being. Therefore, we will analyze in more detail how to protect yourself from hypothermia and what are the first manifestations of frostbite.
Hypothermia is a general condition in which the entire surface of the human body is affected by cold, and her body temperature gradually decreases. First of all, small blood vessels of the extremities begin to suffer, which narrow with the subsequent influx of blood to the internal organs. But when frostbite already affects a certain area of the body due to low temperatures.
RISK FACTORS
Particularly exposed to low temperatures are exposed areas of the skin, namely the hands, face, earlobes, feet. People who have a history of comorbidities such as diabetes and vascular pathology need special attention. After all, in these conditions, the blood supply to the extremities and their sensitivity is disrupted, that is, a person with such diseases may not feel cold in a particular area of the body and get frostbite without even feeling it.
SYMPTOMS OF FROSTBITE AND HYPOTHERMIA
Doctors emphasize that if you experience pain in the fingers and loss of sensitivity, lethargy, and drowsiness, trembling – you should already hide in a warm room and warm yourself with warm tea because these symptoms are alarm bells. However, even if such actions do not bring results – do not delay a visit to the doctor!
Dangerous symptoms that require immediate hospitalization are increased pain, blisters, and cyanosis on the frostbitten area of the body.
The color of the skin in gray or white, its acquisition of hardness to the touch (wax skin), and a feeling of numbness indicate the development of frostbite. Therefore, the help of a doctor is extremely necessary, as there is a high risk of tissue death with amputation.
Note that warming the lower or upper extremities with hot or warm water is contraindicated, as it is very likely that you will not guess the water temperature. The process should be gradual, for example, starting from 30 C, gradually increasing the temperature. Under no circumstances should the affected area be rubbed with snow or cloth, as there is a high probability of mechanical damage to the skin with subsequent infection.
The main rule for frostbite is – internal heating, which is aimed at drinking warm, warming with thermal insulation bandages.
HOW TO REDUCE THE RISK OF HYPOTHERMIA AND FROSTBITE?
Forget about the fashion for bare ankles, instead choose bright warm socks. It is also better to dress in layers in the cold, but this does not mean that clothing should restrict movement. So the following rules can be taken as a basis of multi-layeredness:
underwear, namely underwear, socks, thermal underwear;
middle layer (sweater);
the top layer of clothing (pants, jacket, hat, gloves).
The more clothes you wear, the warmer it will be, but there should be air between the layers to keep warm.
Be sure to “hide” the head and limbs, because it is through their exposed areas most heat is lost.
As for shoes, they should be comfortable, not tight to ensure normal blood circulation, and with a thick sole.
When you are on the street for a long time, for example waiting for public transport, try to move more to speed up blood circulation and therefore not freeze.
It is better to eat before going outside because in order to heat our body spends twice as much energy. Therefore, it is better to restore it with healthy and warm food.
It will be advisable to abandon metal jewelry for a while. The metal cools down very quickly, and in case of contact with the skin, frostbite may develop.
It is important to remember forever that smoking and alcohol do not warm up! So these habits are harmful regardless of the weather, but it is in the cold they are even more dangerous. Smoking – disrupts blood circulation in the extremities, causing their vulnerability to cold, and alcohol only temporarily causes an imaginary feeling of heat, followed by its loss in twice the volume.
And of course, at the first symptoms of hypothermia and frostbite, immediately look for a place to warm up.
Read also: Alcohol Is Useful For Women!