Countries in the far northern Atlantic like Canada and England experience very cold weather in the large part of the year. Frostbites are therefore not an unfamiliar concept. For people whose work involve frequent stay in the outdoors, this affliction is particularly common, although it may easily be avoided.

Exposure to frigid temperature for a long spell is the simple cause for frostbites. Parts of the body that are frequently left in the open are therefore the common areas that get frostbitten. Noses, ears, cheeks, fingers and toes are the most vulnerable parts of the body. Other areas that are not sufficiently protected from the cold might also be prone to frostbites.

MedlinePlus, the information center of the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health, has enumerated symptoms for frostbites. Areas that are frostbitten are cold and hard to touch. Early stage of frostbite is indicated by stinging red skin. The tingling akin to pins and needles will eventually feel numb appear white as the tissues begin to freeze. As the degree of intensity increases, the color of the skin darkens accordingly. Worst case frostbites may even appear blackened or bruised.

MedlinePlus describes frostbites as the damaged state of bodily tissues due to a lengthy exposure to frigid temperature. The extent of the damage depends upon the intensity of the coldness and the length of time of the exposure. In worst case scenarios, blood vessels are reached by the cold and become damaged, restricting blood flow to the affected areas of the body. If not attended to immediately, this may later develop into gangrene. The affected area will have to be amputated to avoid gangrene from spreading throughout the body.

For minor case frostbites, there is still a chance for complete recovery. Once the affected area is allowed to thaw blood will eventually circulate freely once again and prevent permanent cell tissue damage. This is a very painful process however. Along with the return of sensation in the numbed, frostbitten area is a tingling that will later escalate into intense pain.

Acquiring frostbites is a serious condition because it often comes with other afflictions. Trauma for one thing, both physically (when the affected area has to regain sensation and mastery of motion again) and psychologically (if the events leading to exposure in the cold is a disturbing experience). There is also a very high chance of the patient of going through hypothermia, especially in intense cases. Among the worse things that may happen is the development of gangrene in affected areas if not treated immediately.

It is always recommended to take precautionary steps than to deal with the processes of curing an affliction. For people who are already accustomed to freezing environments, precautions against frostbites may already be their second nature. For people who are not used to very cold climate, especially travelers, you should have thick mittens(not gloves), hats and scarves, earmuffs, thick and water-resistant clothing.

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