Individuals who are exposed to extremely cold temperature are at risk for frostbite. The commonly affected body parts include the toes and fingers. You can easily identify the signs of frostbite in the hands if you are familiar with the sensation, appearance and stages of the condition. Take note that any part of the body can become frozen but frostbite typically develops first on the hands, ears, feet and nose.
For those who spend a lot of time outdoors or in the wilderness under extreme temperatures, it is important to know how to determine if frostbite has developed on the hands so that appropriate first aid measures can be performed right away before the condition will affect other body parts.
Steps on how to determine if frostbite has developed on the hands
- Ask the individual how his/her hands feel. It can feel like a pins and needles sensation or tingling sensation. The affected hands can throb, ache or sensation is completely lost. Take note that these symptoms indicates that the early stage of frostbite or frostnip has developed on the hands.
- Check the hands of the individual. If frostnip develops, it typically affects the uppermost tissue layer of the skin. It appears pale while the hands become hard and cold to the touch. It is important to take the individual inside to warm up. Warming will cause the hands to turn red and pain will likely manifest.
- Familiarize with the severe stages of the condition. Superficial and deep frostbite can occur once the deeper skin tissues become frozen. Superficial cases involves the two upper layers of the skin. As for deep frostbite, it involves all the skin layers. The ice crystal forms in the tissues during the late stages of frostbite since the flow of blood is limited. This can occur once the cold constricts the blood vessels in the skin, thus limiting the flow of oxygen, heat and nutrients.
- Determine if signs of gangrene are present, especially if deep frostbite occurs. Gangrene is characterized as localized tissue death. If there are blisters and blackened skin, it also indicates deep frostbite. Take note that these signs can coincide with gangrene or manifest before gangrene occurs. Damage to the tissues such as the nerves, muscles and bones beneath the skin can also occur during deep frostbite.
Important tips to bear in mind
In order to prevent frostbite from developing on the hands, the extremities must be kept warm and dry during cold weather. Instruct the individual to avoid smoking or drink alcoholic drinks if he/she is going to be exposed to extremely cold temperature. Both can impair the circulation and put the individual at risk for frostbite.
Instruct the individual not to rub or massage skin that has frozen with snow or anything. Understandably, the rubbing motion will break up the ice crystals present in the skin and can cause further damage to the tissues. By enrolling in a first aid class, you will learn how to handle cold-related injuries as well as being prepared.