The skin, and more particularly that of the extremities of the body, such as the toes, fingers, nose and ears, can be damaged when subjected to very low temperatures. The government of Quebec specifies that “ the risk of frostbite varies depending on the felt temperature, which is generally colder than the actual temperature “.
1. How can a cold burn occur?
A cold burn, or frostbite, occurs when the skin has been exposed to cold. It can appear when you stay outside for too long in cold weather without protection, or by contact with a very cold object. These burns are more precisely due to the contraction of the skin’s vessels to fight against the cold, which leads to a reduction in blood circulation. People suffering from poor blood circulation are therefore more likely to suffer from a cold burn.
2. What are the symptoms of a cold burn?
A cold burn can be recognized by several signs. As specified by the Canadian Center for Occupational Health and Safety, one or more of the following symptoms may be observed in the area affected by frostbite:
- redness;
- swelling;
- a tingling sensation;
- blisters;
- pain ;
- hardened and pale or bluish skin in the most severe cases.
3. The two types of cold burns
There are two main types of cold burns, or frostbite. Superficial frostbite only affects the surface of the skin. The underlying tissues are not affected. In this case, blisters usually appear after the skin tissue has warmed up. Deep frostbite is more serious because it affects the tissues under the skin and can cause irreversible damage.
4. Cold burn: what to do?
Firstly, it is advisable to warm up very gradually, using an indirect heat source or a blanket for example. It is then possible to apply lukewarm water to gently warm the area affected by the cold burn. Once the area has warmed up, the ideal is to put a protective cream on the skin, such as moisturizer or aloe vera gel. Finally, if the symptoms of frostbite persist or worsen, do not hesitate to quickly consult a health professional.
5. How to prevent a cold burn?
To prevent a cold burn, it is important to wear clothing appropriate for the weather conditions and carefully cover the extremities of the body, such as the feet, hands and head. It is also advisable to regularly moisturize your skin to reduce the risk of frostbite. The Canadian Red Cross indicates that before “ When frostbite develops, the skin may appear shiny and pink (a condition sometimes called “very superficial frostbite”). “). This is a warning sign. When this symptom appears, it is therefore important to protect your skin or take shelter.
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Read also :
⋙ Burn: reflexes to adopt immediately to limit the damage
⋙ Frostbite: symptoms, treatments and prevention
⋙ Burn: how to treat yourself naturally and effectively?