How to prevent frostbite

Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
Updated on September 14, 2024
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Frostbite is a skin disease caused by local skin inflammation due to cold weather. Therefore, it is crucial to prevent frostbite by avoiding prolonged exposure to cold, low-temperature environments. If it is necessary to be in such environments, it is essential to keep both the local areas and the entire body warm. You can wear hats, earmuffs, and gloves, and put on thicker shoes and socks. However, shoes, socks, and gloves should not be too tight, as overly tight clothing can also lead to frostbite.

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Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
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How to quickly form a scab when frostbite festers?

Frostbite, if the freezing duration is long, the local tissues will become more hypoxic and the cells will be severely damaged. At this point, local blisters, ruptures, erosion, and ulcers may occur. To quickly form a scab at this time, we should operate as follows: first, keep the local area as dry as possible; second, use astringent, drying, and anti-inflammatory ointments on the ruptured areas, such as boric acid ointment, boric acid zinc oxide menthol ointment, erythromycin ointment, mupirocin ointment, etc.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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Can frostbite be soaked in hot water?

Chilblains should not be soaked in hot water. Chilblains are generally caused when a part of the body is exposed to low temperatures, causing the capillaries and other small blood vessels to constrict due to the cold. Therefore, suddenly soaking them in hot water can cause these already damaged capillaries to suddenly expand, leading to worsening of the chilblains, swelling, and even infection. If chilblains occur, it is essential to receive proper medical treatment.

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Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
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Why does frostbite occur year after year?

Cold is the primary cause of chilblains, but in addition, factors such as the patient's own skin moisture, abnormalities in peripheral microvessels, autonomic nerve dysfunction, malnutrition, anemia, endocrine disorders, etc., may also participate in the development of the disease. Other factors such as lack of exercise, hyperhidrosis of the hands and feet, overly tight socks and shoes, and long-term outdoor work may also contribute to the occurrence of chilblains. Therefore, chilblains are actually a multifactorial disease, making it prone to recurrence.

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Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
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What medicine is more effective for chilblains?

For the local treatment of chilblains, Western medicine generally uses some drugs to improve microcirculation. Commonly used drugs include compound heparin ointment, polysulfate mucopolysaccharide cream, vitamin E ointment, capsicum tincture, and so on. As for Chinese medicine, it is generally better to use some ointments that warm and drive out cold, activate blood circulation, and dissolve stasis. However, the most important thing for chilblains is to keep warm and prevent cold.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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Can ginger be used to rub on frostbite?

If the skin is not broken or ruptured after suffering from frostbite, ginger can be used to rub the affected area. However, the effectiveness of using ginger is not particularly good. But if the skin affected by frostbite is clearly broken or ruptured, ginger should not be used. Using ginger in such cases can cause severe irritation to the affected skin, which may likely lead to a secondary bacterial infection. It is recommended for patients suffering from frostbite to use some ointments that help improve local circulation.