Can frostbite be soaked in hot water?

Written by Zhu Zhu

Dermatology

Updated on September 11, 2024

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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

25sec

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Do chilblains itch?

Chilblains are caused by the spasm and paralysis of small peripheral blood vessels due to cold, resulting in venous congestion and poor local blood circulation. Sufferers generally feel pain and itching, primarily itching, which intensifies when heated. The best approach at this time is to apply topical medications, such as chilblain cream, capsicum tincture, etc., which have an anti-itching effect.

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Written by Zhu Zhu

Dermatology

43sec

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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.

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Written by Xie Ming Feng

Dermatology

37sec

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How to treat frostbite in summer?

Chilblains usually occur in early winter and early spring. Therefore, treating chilblains in summer is mainly to prevent recurrence in winter. The routine mainly involves physical exercise. From the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine treatment, there is a concept of treating winter diseases in summer. You can use some Chinese herbal medicines that warm and promote circulation, activate blood circulation and remove blood stasis, and unblock collaterals to relieve pain. These herbs can be decocted and used for foot soaks over a period, which helps to prevent the occurrence of chilblains in winter.

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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

37sec

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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.