Freezing of skin and underlying tissues causes pain and damage to the skin and the underlying tissues mostly to the extremities like fingers, toes, nose, ears, cheeks and chin. Exposed skin in the freezing cold causes frostbite.
There are several stages
First degree frostbite is the very first stage due to continuous exposure to cold, the affected area becomes numb. This stage is called frostnip. In this slight pain and tingling are present. Damage to skin is reversible.
Second-degree frostbite usually skin becomes reddish that later turns to whitish or pale. Swelling appears and skin begins to feel warmer. This is a sign that there is damage to skin tissue. Pain occurs with rewarming. This stage is also called superficial frostbite. Fluid filled blisters are formed in the affected area.
Third-degree frostbite causes severe damage to skin and deeper layers of tissues. Numbness and swelling is seen. Skin becomes blue and blisters are seen with blood filled. This stage is called deep frostbite. There may be permanent damage to skin. Blood clots are developed in severe cases. Due to this blood flow is hampered.
Symptoms
- Pain in the affected area due to rewarming.
- Numbness and tingling.
- Skin or the affected area becomes pale, reddish or blue depending on the degree.
- Blisters with fluid filled and blood filled after rewarming.
- Muscle stiffness and clumsiness of hands may be present.
- Fever persists if there is infection of affected area.
Causes
Frostbite occurs when skin has direct contact with ice, very cold liquids or at minus degree temperature. Staying in cold temperature for a longer duration increases the risk. Touching frozen metals can also cause frostbite.
Management
Keeping hydrated enough, limiting outdoor time during cold weather, dressing appropriately with warm clothing, wearing mittens, eating balanced diet, etc. can help not to get affected.
Homeopathic approach
Before any medical aid, firstly covering the affected individual helps in rewarming which helps in proper blood circulation. Agaricus and Zincum met are helpful in protecting the injured area and helps to restore the parts. For any damage to tissue, remedies like Merc sol and Arnica are helpful for faster healing. Individuals also develop blisters filled with fluid or blood, remedies like Ranunculus bulbosus and Silicea are found helpful. For any infections due to open wounds, remedies like Anthracinum is found helpful. Calendula and Echinacea are helpful in faster healing of damaged tissue.
At Gouri Homeo Healthway, we have best protocol of remedies for proper circulation and reduces the infection and better healing of the injured part.
