Frostbite

Definition

Frostbite is caused by over-exposure to extreme cold temperatures.

Types

There are various types of frostbite.

Frostnip is the least severe type of frostbite but it should still be taken seriously. A person with frostnip has skin that has become pale and numb after exposure to freezing temperatures. If exposure continues, it may progress to frostbite.

Frostbite is damage to the skin and tissues due to extreme cold. Frostbite typically happens in body parts farthest from the heart, on exposed areas of the body such as the hands. Affected areas become extremely cold, hard, numb, and painful. As warmth returns to the body, the tissues become very itchy, red, swollen, spotty, and painful.

Hypothermia, is characterized by lethargy, poor coordination, mental confusion, irritability, hallucinations, and slow respiration and heart rate. In severe cases death can occur.

Cause

To prevent all types of frostbite, avoid activities that increase your risk. These activities include, anemia, drug or excess alcohol consumption, exhaustion and hunger, and decreased blood circulation. Children and the elderly are at greater risk, must protect themselves from the cold

Note: Hypothermia occurs when the body cannot maintain its core temperature. As quickly as possible, warm the affected areas. Rub the areas vigorously to stimulate circulation. You may need to hold the person to increase their warmth.

Caution: In all instances of hyperthermia, seek prompt medical attention as quickly as possible.

Natural Cures

Diet: Drink plenty of warm hydrating liquids throughout the day.

Herbs: To stimulate blood circulation, drink warm ginger tea. Also, use cayenne pepper to spice or, “heat up,” your food.

Hydrotherapy: Hydrotherapy is the process of applying water, ice, steam and alternating cold and hot temperatures to restore health. Treatments include total body immersion, steam baths, saunas, sitz baths, colonic irrigation, and the application of warm and cold compresses. Hydrotherapy is effective for treating an array of conditions and can easily be used in the home as part of a personal-treatment program. Many professionals including naturopathic physicians, physical therapists, and day spas use Hydrotherapy as part of their treatment routines. We suggest trying several at home hydrotherapy remedies. Please seek the advice of an alternative healthcare practitioner prior to undergoing these treatments to ensure they are right for you.

*Purified water is essential in any Hydrotherapy remedy. Remedies involving purifying bath water offer clear instructions.

Topical Treatment: Carbamide peroxide gel from a newly cut natural aloe-vera leaf applied to the affected areas may speed recuperation.

Nutritional Supplementation: Vitamin B complicated and cayenne pepper capsules can help to restore dropped circulation.

Optional Professional Treatment

If your signs and symptoms persist despite following the remedies listed above, seek the help of the qualified medical expert. The following expert therapies have all been shown to be useful for treating frostbite: Acupuncture (to avoid permanent nerve damage), Naturopathic Medicine, Air Therapy (Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment for serious cases; external ozone program as a bactericidal and to enhance circulation), Qigong, and traditional Chinese Medicine. (See References for explanations of these optional therapies.)