Frostbite is caused by how?

Written by Zhu Zhu

Dermatology

Updated on September 19, 2024

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Chilblains is a condition many people have suffered from, especially prone to occur in winter. The main cause is due to poor cold resistance of the skin, coupled with low temperatures, which causes the peripheral skin blood vessels to constrict or spasm. This leads to local circulatory disturbances and tissue damage. Therefore, after developing chilblains, symptoms such as itching and pain are common, and it is essential to treat them promptly with medication.

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Written by Guan Yu Hua

Orthopedic Surgery

1min 46sec

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Is red, swollen, and itchy heel frostbite?

Let's talk about chilblains first, which can occur on various parts of the body. The most common cause is cold stimulation, such as redness and itching on the back of the heel, which may be due to occupational or other factors. The heel is often exposed and susceptible to cold, potentially leading to chilblains. This condition can be particularly troublesome but sometimes heals on its own as the weather warms up, though it is prone to recurrence. Treatment may require the use of vasodilators or traditional Chinese medicines that improve microcirculation and invigorate the blood. Regular physical exercise to boost immunity, avoiding cold exposure, and ensuring adequate warmth and dryness are important. Tight shoes and socks should be avoided, and it is not advisable to soak in hot water immediately after getting cold; instead, gradually increase the water temperature. If there is an open wound, appropriate ointments can be applied to promote healing, ensuring the area stays dry to prevent further chilblains. For example, soaking in water daily can be beneficial if there is no open wound, starting with water at 10°C, then increasing gradually to 20°C, and finally 30°C to gradually warm the area and improve blood circulation, aiding in recovery. Additionally, using ointments like chilblain cream can help improve the condition, but the area is still prone to reoccurrence if it gets cold again. Mainly, keeping the area warm and moist is crucial. For open wounds, regular disinfection with povidone-iodine and applying erythromycin ointment to prevent infection may be beneficial. (Please use medications under the guidance of a doctor to avoid inappropriate self-medication.)

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Written by Xie Ming Feng

Dermatology

1min 3sec

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Can frostbite be cured completely?

Chilblains can recur because, in addition to cold being the primary cause, many other factors such as the skin's moisture, abnormalities in the microvasculature, autonomic dysfunction, malnutrition, anemia, and endocrine disorders might also contribute to the condition. Additionally, lack of exercise, excessive sweating of the hands and feet, overly tight shoes and socks, and prolonged outdoor work can also promote the occurrence of chilblains. Thus, chilblains are a multifactorial disease. The best way to prevent recurrence is through preventive measures. These include: first, strengthening physical exercise to promote peripheral circulation and enhance the body's ability to adapt to the cold; second, early in the early winter season, it is important to prevent cold, frostbite, and dampness, stay warm, and avoid wearing tight shoes and socks; third, once exposed to cold, one should not immediately warm up by a fire or soak in hot water; fourth, irradiating the affected areas with infrared before winter or frequently soaking feet in hot water can also help in preventing chilblains.

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Written by Xie Ming Feng

Dermatology

44sec

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Do chilblains hurt?

Frostbite occurs due to cold, causing the small arteries at the distal parts of our body to constrict, become paralyzed and spasm, leading to venous congestion and poor local blood circulation. Therefore, patients generally have symptoms such as itching and pain. Minor cases primarily present with itching which worsens with heat, while severe cases may mainly experience pain, especially when severe blisters, ulcerations, and further increased pain occur. If there is pain due to local frostbite, topical application of traditional Chinese medicine ointments that warm, expel cold, promote blood circulation, and relieve pain, or frostbite creams, capsicum tincture, etc., can be used.

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Written by Zhu Zhu

Dermatology

32sec

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What does it mean when frostbite turns purple?

Chilblains turning purple is mainly due to the local skin inflammation caused by cold stimulation, where the congestion in the local skin accumulates and cannot be expelled. Chilblains turning purple may be accompanied by local skin itching or pain, thus timely medication is needed for relief. You can apply some protective oils and chilblain creams, and it is important to keep both the whole body and the affected area dry and warm. Gloves and shoes should not be too tight.

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Written by Zhu Zhu

Dermatology

30sec

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Frostbite is caused by how?

Chilblains is a condition many people have suffered from, especially prone to occur in winter. The main cause is due to poor cold resistance of the skin, coupled with low temperatures, which causes the peripheral skin blood vessels to constrict or spasm. This leads to local circulatory disturbances and tissue damage. Therefore, after developing chilblains, symptoms such as itching and pain are common, and it is essential to treat them promptly with medication.