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Cold related injuries.
It's the time of year for outdoor fun. While playing outdoors in winter can be healthy and packed with fun for your child you need to be aware of some dangers.
Children are at a greater risk of experiencing frostnip and frostbite because they lose heat from their skin more rapidly and they tend to stay outside longer because they're having so much fun.  Frostnip:
Also known as (Chillblains) is a milder form of frostbite. It is sometimes referred to as a first degree frostbite.There is no tissue destruction and the skin goes back to normal when it is re-warmed.
Causes:
Frostnip occurs as a result of exposure to extremely cold weather and wet clothing in cold temperatures. It usually affects areas exposed such as the ears, nose, cheeks, fingers and toes.
Symptoms:
Redness, paleness, tingling and numbness.
Treatment:
Frostnip can be treated at home.
- Get the child to a warm place
- Remove wet clothing and dry
- Rewarm the skin by using your own body heat or immerse in warm water for 20 to 30 minutes until all sensation returns
- Do not rub the area
- Get medical help if all sensation does not return
Frostbite:
Frostbite is frozen body tissue. The extent of permanent injury, however, is determined not by how cold the skin and the underlying tissues becomes but by how long they remain frozen
Causes: The skin is damaged as a result of freezing from exposure to extremely cold temperatures or wet clothing in very cold weather. Most frostbite affects the hands and feet but can affect the nose, ears, cheeks and even the penis. Symptoms: The affected area feels cold, numb and hard to the touch. The skin turns white, yellow or waxy. Treatment:
- Seek immediate medical help
- Get the child to a warm area
- Remove wet and tight clothing
- Put on loose clothing and cover with a blanket
- Do not re-warm if there is a chance of re-freezing again
- Rewarm slowly without excessive movement or rubbing if medical help is not immediately available
- Rewarm the affected part for 15 to 30 minutes in water at a temperature of 104-108°F (40-42°C)
- Do not allow the child to use or walk on the affected limbs
Frostnip and frostbite in children can be prevented even in the coldest conditions if parents take the following precautions.
- Stay updated on weather forecasts. If it's extremely cold even brief exposure to cold can cause frostbite
- Dress children in loose layered clothing with an inner moisture absorbing layer and outer wind and water proof layer
- Cover the hands, feet and head including the ears
- Make sure kids come indoors at regular intervals
- Wet clothing should be removed as quickly as possible
- Watch for frostnip frosbite's early warning sign and treat appropriately
- Take a CPR and First Aid class to help learn what to do in emergency situations
Hypothermia:
Hypothermia is a life-threatening emergency and needs immediate medical treatment.
Symptoms:
There is shivering in mild hypothermia but people with severe hypothermia may be lethargic. the hands, feet and abdomen are cold. The body temperature is below 95 degrees F and 35 C.
Treatment:
- Move the child to a warm place
- Remove wet clothing
- Give warm liquids to drink if conscious
- Call 911
Never allow a child to rewarm themselves because they may not have feeling in that area and can burn the skin.
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