The human body works best at a temperature of 37 degrees Celsius. It also has a number of built-in mechanisms that allow you to adapt to cold and heat. These mechanisms include changes in respiratory rate, regulation of blood flow to different parts of the body, or changes in fluid intake.
However, there is still a danger of freezing in winter. It is the result of tissue damage (usually skin) when exposed to negative temperatures. Most often this affects the ears, fingers, toes, cheeks, lips, nose and other extremities.
For frostbite to occur, exposed parts of the body must be exposed to temperatures below -0.55 degrees Celsius. In this case it will take several hours. Moreover, the lower the temperature, the faster freezing occurs.
Wind also has a significant impact on the likelihood of freezing. For example, at -20 degrees Celsius, you can freeze exposed parts of the body in less than half an hour.
Wet clothing also increases the risk of frostbite. This is because moisture removes heat from the body much faster than air.
Exposed areas of the body become numb and tingly due to exposure to cold. As a result, the skin turns white or red as the body desperately tries to warm up. This is the first stage of freezing. Although it may cause discomfort, it does not cause irreversible tissue damage.
Then the skin tissue begins to freeze. If only the skin and underlying connective tissues freeze, this is called superficial frostbite. At this stage, the skin turns pale or even grayish blue due to reduced blood flow, ice crystal formation, restriction of blood flow, and numbness in the affected areas.
If exposure to cold continues, frostbite spreads deeper, affecting muscles, tendons, blood vessels, and even bones. This level is already associated with amputation of limbs.
In case of frostbite, you should seek medical help immediately. In severe cases, surgery may be required to remove dead tissue after the person has been rewarmed. Additionally, the affected area becomes impossible to save and must be amputated.
News materials cannot be equated with a doctor’s prescription. Consult an expert before making a decision.
Source: Ferra
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