What is a snow bite? And what are the factors that increase the chance of their occurrence

Arab Weather - Many doctors have warned of the danger of catching a snow bite, which is common in such climates. What is meant by a bite of snow?

Snow bite is a state of freezing that affects the fingers, toes, or any other parts of the body exposed to very cold temperatures, which leads to numbness at first and loss of sensation with difficulty in movement, severe pain and swelling in the fingers and toes and may lead to tissue damage due to lack of access It only takes a few minutes in cold weather to cause permanent damage to the limbs and ears, which are vulnerable, which must be well protected.

What are the factors that increase the risk of getting a snow bite?

• Not wearing appropriate warm clothes to protect from cold weather.
• Go out and stay in very cold temperatures for long periods
• Young children and the elderly are more likely to get a bite of snow than others
• Diabetics and atherosclerosis
• Previously hit by an ice bite.
• Smoking and drinking alcohol

What are the symptoms of a snow bite?

• Tumor in the extremities.
• Severe itching.
• Numbness and loss of feeling in the limbs.
• Severe pain in the affected area until it warms up and blood returns to the affected area.
• The appearance of the affected area waxy white or gray color, and it may be accompanied by the appearance of blisters.
• Wearing suitable, warm clothes and heating exposed areas such as hands, feet and face.

What are the procedures that must be followed to prevent and treat the affected area with a bite?

• Avoid consuming caffeine and avoid smoking, because these substances stimulate the skin's exposure to heat shocks.
• If you feel numbness in any of your limbs, you must go into the house or car immediately and you should pay attention to your toes and toes, and try to move them as much as possible.

If you suspect you have been bitten by a bite , seek medical attention immediately. If you do not receive help immediately, you should:

• Warming the affected areas and raising them up (above the level of the heart) to reduce swelling.
• Use a warm towel soaked with warm water for 30 to 45 minutes until the sensation returns to the area.
• Avoid using hot water, which may burn the area.
• Putting a sterile cotton or gauze between the affected fingers.
• Avoid rubbing the affected areas, because this leads to tissue damage and worsens the situation.

Source: Medical