Frostbite is caused by cold weather, with local small arteries contracting and eventually becoming paralyzed and dilated, leading to venous congestion and poor local blood circulation. Let's see how to deal with frostbite in winter.
[Why does frostbite occur in winter]
Frostbite, also known as "radish fingers", is so named because it commonly occurs in the fingers and toes, appearing swollen and red, resembling small radishes. If all ten fingers are affected, when exposed to heat sources such as hot water or gloves, the affected areas can become itchy and painful, causing extreme discomfort.
The fundamental reason for frostbite is the disruption of blood circulation in the skin, resulting in tissue damage. Those who spend long periods of time in cold and damp environments, maintain fixed postures, and have insufficient limb movement are more prone to frostbite.
Statistics show that frostbite is more common in children and adolescents, and less common in the elderly. Why do children easily get frostbite in winter? The reason is that when the skin is exposed to temperatures below its tolerance, the peripheral blood vessels in the skin constrict or spasm, leading to local blood circulation disorders and subsequent tissue damage caused by insufficient oxygen and nutrition to the skin.
The skin of children and adolescents reacts with stronger constriction of subcutaneous blood vessels to cold stimuli compared to other age groups, especially older people. Therefore, under continuous cold stimuli, the subcutaneous blood vessels are prone to spasmodic contraction, blood stasis, local tissue malnutrition, and injury, resulting in frostbite.
Frostbite is a localized inflammatory injury caused by cold. It is a common condition in winter. According to relevant data, there are two hundred million cases of frostbite in China every year, with children, women, and the elderly being the most affected. Once frostbite occurs, it is often difficult to heal quickly in cold seasons and will gradually heal only when the weather turns warm. To reduce the occurrence of frostbite, prevention should start before the onset of winter.
[How to treat frostbite in winter]
1. Soaking in saltwater: Prepare hot water and add salt to it. Soak the affected area of frostbite in the saltwater for fifteen minutes every day, persisting for one week.
2. Applying ointment: Applying ointment is a good option for treating frostbite. There are many frostbite ointments available on the market. Applying the ointment to the affected area can relieve itching and reduce symptoms.
3. Treating frostbite with Jing Wan oil: Jing Wan oil also has a certain therapeutic effect on frostbite. Pour a small amount of Jing Wan oil onto the frostbite and gently rub the area until it feels hot. Repeat this three times a day for three weeks. This method is suitable for those who have just developed frostbite. If the frostbite is severe, do not use this method. Jing Wan oil also has a certain preventive effect on frostbite. Apply a little bit of Jing Wan oil on the hands every day to prevent frostbite.
4. Frostbite treatment prescriptions:
- Grind 30 grams of rabbit fur into powder and mix it with sesame oil for external application on the affected area. Apply it 1-2 times daily.
- Grind 10 grams of Bai Ji (Bletilla striata) and 20 grams of dried tangerine peel into fine powder, and mix it with sesame oil for external application on the affected area. Apply it once daily.
- Mix 10 grams of honey and 2 grams of lard to make a paste, and apply it externally on the affected area once daily.
- Sprinkle 20 grams of huang bai (Phellodendron chinense) powder on the affected area, apply it once daily, and wash it with dilute saline solution before the second application. Use it for 7 consecutive days.
- Burn and prepare ashes from persimmon peel, mix it with cooked vegetable oil, and apply it externally on the affected area 1-2 times daily.
[How to prevent frostbite in winter]
1. Prevent moisture: Keep your hands and feet dry. If they become damp, use a towel to dry them. Moist environments are prone to frostbite.
2. Wash with cold water: Use cold water to wash your hands and face regularly. Although it may be painful to wash with cold water in the cold winter, it is important to do so to prevent frostbite. After washing, immediately dry the area with a towel and apply moisturizer to prevent dryness and cracking. By doing this, the area will have stronger resistance to the cold and will be less prone to frostbite.
3. Massage: Regularly massage your hands and feet to promote blood circulation and reduce the chances of frostbite. For hand massage, rub your hands together until they become warm. Start by rubbing the back of your right hand with your left hand, then switch to rubbing the back of your left hand with your right hand. For leg massage, sit on a mat and straighten your legs. Hold your thighs firmly with both hands and rub them down to the ankles with force. Then massage the roots of the thighs in an upward and downward motion, repeating this several times. This will accelerate blood circulation in the area, reducing the likelihood of frostbite.
