Uremic frost symptoms are the signs of a severe cold injury that occurs in the upper layers of the skin. These symptoms can be very serious and may lead to amputation of an affected limb if they are not treated promptly.
Affected parts of the body are usually exposed to cold weather, which causes the skin to freeze. These can include the nose, ears, eyes and fingers of the hands and feet.
Signs of frostbite are numbness and a feeling that the skin is hard or frozen (like wood). When mild frostbite develops, the skin appears light-colored or white, but when severe frostbite occurs, the tissue is blue, gray or black because it is not responding to warming.
When a person is exposed to cold temperatures, blood vessels in the skin become constricted and cells die. The longer a person is exposed to cold, the more serious the damage to the tissues.
People who work outdoors in cold weather or play outdoor sports in winter are most likely to get frostbite, but even people who live in areas that don’t normally have freezing weather can get it if they spend a lot of time outside in the cold. Some factors that increase the risk of frostbite are poor clothing, prolonged exposure to wind, drinking alcohol in the cold, and using metal jewelry or toys.
If you suspect that you are developing frostbite, try to warm the area immediately in a warm, dry environment. Then, if the skin does not respond to warming, see your doctor or emergency room.
Treatment for frostbite is usually a long process that requires special attention and the aid of a trained medical professional. It involves cleaning, treating wounds and removing dead tissue. If a patient has severe frostbite, they may also need to be taken to the hospital for inpatient care and possible amputation.
Early intervention with a circulating warm water bath is the most effective therapy for superficial frostbite, and it can be done by a doctor or at home. The tub should be heated to 37deg-39deg C and the patient will be able to thaw out the affected skin in 15-30 minutes.
Whirlpool baths are also used as a form of hydrotherapy to clean the skin and remove dead tissue. Patients who suffer from frostbite should be evaluated for hypothermia and dehydration and given medications to help keep them warm and healthy.
Painkillers can also be given to relieve pain. The goal is to reduce the inflammation and swelling, which can lead to further damage.
Physical therapy can be helpful for some patients who have frostbite, and is often used to treat other conditions that affect the muscles and joints, such as arthritis. Exercise also helps improve circulation and may decrease the risk of complications, such as blood clots.
Ice packs can also be used to relieve pain and swelling. Medications that break up blood clots, called thrombolytics, are often recommended, but they can also cause bleeding in other parts of the body.
