Can frostbite be soaked in hot water?

Written by Zhu Zhu

Dermatology

Updated on September 11, 2024

00:00

00:00

Chilblains should not be soaked in hot water. Chilblains are generally caused when a part of the body is exposed to low temperatures, causing the capillaries and other small blood vessels to constrict due to the cold. Therefore, suddenly soaking them in hot water can cause these already damaged capillaries to suddenly expand, leading to worsening of the chilblains, swelling, and even infection. If chilblains occur, it is essential to receive proper medical treatment.

Other Voices

home-news-image

Written by Xie Ming Feng

Dermatology

32sec

home-news-image

What medicine is more effective for chilblains?

For the local treatment of chilblains, Western medicine generally uses some drugs to improve microcirculation. Commonly used drugs include compound heparin ointment, polysulfate mucopolysaccharide cream, vitamin E ointment, capsicum tincture, and so on. As for Chinese medicine, it is generally better to use some ointments that warm and drive out cold, activate blood circulation, and dissolve stasis. However, the most important thing for chilblains is to keep warm and prevent cold.

home-news-image

Written by Guan Yu Hua

Orthopedic Surgery

1min 46sec

home-news-image

Is red, swollen, and itchy heel frostbite?

Let's talk about chilblains first, which can occur on various parts of the body. The most common cause is cold stimulation, such as redness and itching on the back of the heel, which may be due to occupational or other factors. The heel is often exposed and susceptible to cold, potentially leading to chilblains. This condition can be particularly troublesome but sometimes heals on its own as the weather warms up, though it is prone to recurrence. Treatment may require the use of vasodilators or traditional Chinese medicines that improve microcirculation and invigorate the blood. Regular physical exercise to boost immunity, avoiding cold exposure, and ensuring adequate warmth and dryness are important. Tight shoes and socks should be avoided, and it is not advisable to soak in hot water immediately after getting cold; instead, gradually increase the water temperature. If there is an open wound, appropriate ointments can be applied to promote healing, ensuring the area stays dry to prevent further chilblains. For example, soaking in water daily can be beneficial if there is no open wound, starting with water at 10°C, then increasing gradually to 20°C, and finally 30°C to gradually warm the area and improve blood circulation, aiding in recovery. Additionally, using ointments like chilblain cream can help improve the condition, but the area is still prone to reoccurrence if it gets cold again. Mainly, keeping the area warm and moist is crucial. For open wounds, regular disinfection with povidone-iodine and applying erythromycin ointment to prevent infection may be beneficial. (Please use medications under the guidance of a doctor to avoid inappropriate self-medication.)

home-news-image

Written by Xie Ming Feng

Dermatology

35sec

home-news-image

How to remove the red marks left by frostbite?

For those with severe chilblains or prolonged exposure to cold, the affected tissue may suffer from hypoxia and cell damage, worsening the condition and potentially leading to blisters, erosion, and ulcers. Post-recovery, there may be residual pigmentation, such as red marks. Generally, the body undergoes a self-repair process where these marks gradually fade and disappear. For severe cases, applying ointments that improve microcirculation, repair the skin barrier, and reduce scarring can help accelerate the fading of these red marks.

home-news-image

Written by Xie Ming Feng

Dermatology

27sec

home-news-image

Can frostbite be treated with a hot towel compress?

Chilblains are caused by the cold, leading to spasms and contractions in the small blood vessels at the distal and peripheral ends of the human body, causing venous congestion and poor local blood circulation. At this time, using a hot towel for local hot compresses, or using heating pads for local heat application, can dilate local blood vessels, improve microcirculation, and increase blood flow, which helps in treating chilblains.

home-news-image

Written by Xie Ming Feng

Dermatology

37sec

home-news-image

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.