In March of 2020, Snowbite Cafe was named the Lower Rio Valley’s Minority Owned Small Business of the Year by the Small Business Administration Government. Connie and her family aspire to open several locations and start a non-profit organization for single parents and teen mothers. They also hope to inspire young women to pursue entrepreneurial opportunities. They hope to inspire teen mothers, single parents, and other underserved groups to follow their passions.
First-degree frostbite
Frostbite is a condition where the water in the skin freezes and causes damage to the tissues. Common symptoms include white, hard, numb skin and pain. First-degree frostbite is usually treatable, but severe cases of frostbite require immediate medical attention. Common frostbite sites include the toes, outer ear, cheeks, nose, and ears.
The most common causes of frostbite are exposure to extreme cold, alcoholism, and psychiatric illness. High altitudes and high activity are two other risk factors for frostbite. People who smoke or are unable to stay warm in colder temperatures are also at a higher risk of developing frostbite. People who play winter outdoor sports are also more susceptible to frostbite than those who do not have these risk factors.
In severe cases of frostbite, rewarming the area is vital. The time spent in the cold is directly related to tissue damage. A healthcare professional will need to examine the skin and feel the surrounding tissue to determine the extent of the damage. In mild cases of frostbite, a phone call may be enough to get the patient to a hospital. If the patient does not appear to need immediate medical attention, he or she can be kept busy with conversation.
If left untreated, first-degree frostbite may lead to long-term or permanent side effects. Symptoms may include neuropathy or nerve damage. They may also develop joint stiffness and arthritis. Skin color may change and fingernail damage can lead to infection. The area may even become black, indicating that there is a danger of gangrene.
Frostnip
A mild form of cold injury, frostnip is easily treatable. It affects exposed skin and improves with rewarming. First, remove wet clothing, since it pulls heat from the body. Then, immerse the chilled part of the body in warm water for 20-30 minutes. Remember to avoid hot water on numb areas, as it may burn. Also, try to apply your body heat to the cold area.
A common symptom of frostnip is a stinging sensation on the skin. The affected area may also feel cold or prickle. A deep chill may also occur, accompanied by tingling and numbness. The skin may also appear red. The onset of frostnip is usually the result of prolonged exposure to extremely cold temperatures. Because the body conserves heat, blood flow is limited to the extremities. This affects the nose, cheeks, and ears most often.
The time it takes for tissues to thaw out after exposure to cold is directly proportional to the time the skin remains frozen. In severe cases, medical treatment is directed toward rewarming the injured skin. Ideally, this should take between 15 and 30 minutes. During this time, IV fluids may be administered to the affected area. The symptoms of frostnip may require a hospital stay or oxygen therapy.
After exposure to cold temperatures, the affected skin may form blisters. A doctor may prescribe antibiotics and guidance regarding wound care. However, many people can safely rewarm their skin on their own. Moreover, wearing appropriate clothing can protect the extremities from frostnip. Further, gloves are useful in preventing frostnip. After the affected area has warmed up, the frostnip will disappear.
People with risk factors for frostbite should take appropriate precautions to prevent it. Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and recreational drug abuse are among the leading causes of frostbite. Other risk factors include high altitude and improperly-fitted clothing. Vaccines can help protect against the cold. But, before exposing your body to cold, be sure to check the CDC website to determine if you are at risk.
Raynaud’s phenomenon
Several lifestyle modifications are effective in reducing the symptoms and attacks of Raynaud’s phenomenon and snowbites. A major part of treatment involves avoiding substances that cause blood vessels to constrict. Symptoms usually begin with tingling or pain on the affected area. However, some people may not have these symptoms at all. During an initial exam, the healthcare provider may look at the fingernail blood vessels for abnormalities.
The body naturally redirects blood away from extremities in cold weather. However, when this response is increased, it can cause blue or white skin to form. The affected area will experience tingling, numbness, and stinging sensation. The affected area may also become red and irritated. The symptoms of Raynaud’s phenomenon can last anywhere from minutes to hours. The patient may develop sores or infection, depending on how severe the symptoms are.
Some medications can cause secondary Raynaud’s syndrome. While doctors are not certain of the exact cause, they have concluded that the condition occurs when blood vessels react to stress or low temperatures. The condition can also occur during ammunition work. Some women experience this condition more than men, with only two to three percent of men developing the condition. This can be triggered by environmental or occupational factors. If you suspect you are suffering from either condition, it’s important to seek medical care immediately.
Symptoms of Raynaud’s phenomenon include tingling, throbbing, and redness of the fingers and toes. In rare cases, the condition can develop into ulcers or tissue death. The symptoms are usually uncomfortable and frustrating. Fortunately, there are treatments available that can help minimize the effects of this condition. There is no cure for Raynaud’s phenomenon, but the condition can be a sign of another illness.
Although the cause of Raynaud’s phenomenon is unknown, there are certain factors that can trigger an attack. Exposure to cold temperatures or stress may cause the blood vessels to spasm. The result is a lack of blood flow to the affected area. The condition can be severe, and the treatment will be aggressive. It is important to seek medical attention if you experience symptoms of this condition, or you may develop snowbites or another skin disorder.
Treatment
When the temperature drops below freezing, your skin can become severely damaged. While there are some ways to prevent the skin from becoming severely damaged by snow, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. The time it takes for tissue to degrade is directly related to the degree of cold exposure. Taking prompt action is essential for preventing severe problems. A doctor can run X-rays or MRI tests to identify the extent of bone damage and frostbite. If these tests reveal that the skin is dehydrated, an IV can be given to increase fluids.
While rewarming is often painful, anti-inflammatory painkillers and thrombolytics can be used to relieve the symptoms and reduce pain. Anti-inflammatory medications may also help improve blood circulation. Thrombolytics are not meant to treat an infection, but they can reduce the chances of further damage. Lastly, if you’re dealing with severe frostbite, the doctor may prescribe an invasive procedure to remove the affected area.
The most effective treatment for frostbite is to stay warm. Fluids can be administered to the affected area, and the doctor may perform surgery to drain the blister without blood. During the thaw, the skin may swell up and develop black dead tissue. To prevent further damage, it is important to seek immediate medical attention if you’ve fallen in a snowstorm. While there are several treatments, a specialist should be consulted as soon as possible.
The best results from a treatment for snowbite are usually achieved if it is done within 24 hours. Although surgery is often necessary in the worst cases, it can be delayed for weeks or months. If left untreated, severe frostbite can lead to permanent problems, such as arthritis. In severe cases, amputation may be necessary. However, in the case of severe cases, a black carapace can shed viable tissue.
Deep frostbite is the most serious form of snowfall. The skin may become completely detached from the toe, and in severe cases, surgery may be required. This surgery may be performed in order to remove the dead tissue and to save the toes. The procedure can take six to eight weeks, though, as this gives the affected tissues time to heal. In severe cases, however, amputation may be necessary permanently.