Frostbite occurs on which parts of the body?

Written by Xie Ming Feng

Dermatology

Updated on September 30, 2024

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Chilblains are a cold-related disease, commonly occurring in the peripheral areas as a localized congestive inflammatory skin condition. They generally appear in the early winter or early spring when the temperatures are lower, which facilitates the onset of chilblains. The common sites for chilblains are the extremities and exposed areas, including the hands, face, and auricles.

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Written by Zhu Zhu

Dermatology

33sec

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How to stop the itching from frostbite?

After suffering from frostbite, itching occurs mainly due to the stimulation of peripheral nerves causing an itchy sensation. Therefore, to relieve itching, one can apply some anti-itch creams such as frostbite cream. Saline, ginger, and soap can also be used to alleviate itching by promoting local skin blood circulation and constricting local blood vessels, thus having an anti-itch effect. After frostbite itches, one must not scratch, press, or touch cold water.

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Written by Xie Ming Feng

Dermatology

37sec

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Why does frostbite occur year after year?

Cold is the primary cause of chilblains, but in addition, factors such as the patient's own skin moisture, abnormalities in peripheral microvessels, autonomic nerve dysfunction, malnutrition, anemia, endocrine disorders, etc., may also participate in the development of the disease. Other factors such as lack of exercise, hyperhidrosis of the hands and feet, overly tight socks and shoes, and long-term outdoor work may also contribute to the occurrence of chilblains. Therefore, chilblains are actually a multifactorial disease, making it prone to recurrence.

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Written by Zhang Shu Kun

Traditional Chinese Medicine

42sec

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Does soaking feet in ginger treat frostbite?

Soaking your feet in ginger water can effectively help improve chilblains and also achieve therapeutic effects, so it can be done daily. It is still necessary to keep warm and avoid getting cold, because if the condition is too severe, simply soaking your feet can be relatively slow. Foot soaking can only play a temporary role, so more attention is needed usually. You can soak your feet daily, maintaining the water temperature around 40°C. Moreover, the soaking time should generally be controlled between 15 to 30 minutes to effectively help improve the condition. If the chilblains are severe, some medications can be applied for treatment. (The use of medications should be carried out under the guidance of a professional doctor.)

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Written by Xie Ming Feng

Dermatology

1min 3sec

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Can frostbite be cured completely?

Chilblains can recur because, in addition to cold being the primary cause, many other factors such as the skin's moisture, abnormalities in the microvasculature, autonomic dysfunction, malnutrition, anemia, and endocrine disorders might also contribute to the condition. Additionally, lack of exercise, excessive sweating of the hands and feet, overly tight shoes and socks, and prolonged outdoor work can also promote the occurrence of chilblains. Thus, chilblains are a multifactorial disease. The best way to prevent recurrence is through preventive measures. These include: first, strengthening physical exercise to promote peripheral circulation and enhance the body's ability to adapt to the cold; second, early in the early winter season, it is important to prevent cold, frostbite, and dampness, stay warm, and avoid wearing tight shoes and socks; third, once exposed to cold, one should not immediately warm up by a fire or soak in hot water; fourth, irradiating the affected areas with infrared before winter or frequently soaking feet in hot water can also help in preventing chilblains.

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Written by Xie Ming Feng

Dermatology

44sec

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Do chilblains hurt?

Frostbite occurs due to cold, causing the small arteries at the distal parts of our body to constrict, become paralyzed and spasm, leading to venous congestion and poor local blood circulation. Therefore, patients generally have symptoms such as itching and pain. Minor cases primarily present with itching which worsens with heat, while severe cases may mainly experience pain, especially when severe blisters, ulcerations, and further increased pain occur. If there is pain due to local frostbite, topical application of traditional Chinese medicine ointments that warm, expel cold, promote blood circulation, and relieve pain, or frostbite creams, capsicum tincture, etc., can be used.