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Frostbite occurs in the skin and the underlying tissues when the body is exposed to freezing temperatures for prolonged periods of time. Frostbite occurs in the extremities and in extreme cases can cause severe damage to the blood vessels and nerves, requiring amputation.Symptoms of frostbite include numbness, pain, itchiness, skin discoloration, blistering, stiffness in the joints and hardening of the skin Frostbite occurs more commonly in the toes, fingers, nose, cheeks, ears and chin.
In most cases of frostbite, the skin is frozen and simple home remedies will cure the condition. Trekking and mountaineering in extreme cold without adequate preparation and protection or living in countries with extreme temperatures could cause frostbite in the fingers and toes. Some of the important points one must keep in mind while treating frostbite are that the frostbitten areas must be treated very gently without rubbing the area to prevent tissue damage and other forms of skin or bone damage, in severe cases.
Blister must not be broken nor rubbed or cut in any way. Avoid dry heat from hair dryers, fireplaces or heating pads while treating a frostbite. This will lead to tissue damage. What follows are a list of home remedies that are effective and quick treatment for frostbite.
Ten Natural Cures For Frostbite
Aloe Vera
Apply Aloe Vera gel to the frostbitten area. Aloe Vera has been used through the ages to cure various skin ailments and as treatment for stomach afflictions. This also works as a remedy for frostbitten areas of the skin and tissues.
Mix a cup of fresh aloe vera sap with warm water and apply to the afflicted area. Aloe Vera has anti bacterial, anti-inflammatory, moisturizing as well as regenerative properties that decrease the pain making it an excellent cure for frostbite.
Tea Bags
Tea bags soothe the affected areas and help to ease the pain and stinging sensation a frostbite causes in the body. An effective frostbite cure is to place ten tea bags in a gallon of hot water. Soak the frostbitten areas in the steeped water once the tea has been cooled to room temperature.
The tea soothes the skin and stimulates blood to flow to the affected area. If you cannot soak the frostbitten area in the tea bag mixture, use a clean cotton boll to dab the solution on the area.
Warm The Frostbitten Area Gently
Gently submerge the affected frostbitten areas in warm water, between 100 – 105° F (37.7-43.4° C). Do not use hot water as it damages the tissues. Make sure the water is a comfortable temperature as mentioned previously.
This should work as an effective and gentle frostbite cure. As with the tea bag mixture, if you cannot soak the damaged area directly in warm water, use a clean washcloth or a cotton ball to dab the water on the frostbitten areas.
Camphor
Gently massage the affected area with camphor oil if the frostbite on the area is not severe. Camphor oil is a good treatment for frostbite as it generates heat that boosts blood circulation and relieves pain from the frostbite.
Do not apply more than a few drops as this can have a dangerous effect on the body. Between five and eight drops is sufficient to treat a frostbite.
Fluids
Dehydration is a result as well a contributory factor to frostbite. Replenish body fluids and restore the salt and sugar balance by drinking plenty of fluids like fruit juices, hot cocoa and warm water.
Coffee and tea contain caffeine which dehydrates the body further. Alcohol is another beverage you must avoid as alcohol thins the blood and worsens the swelling from the frostbite.
Mustard Oil And Olive Oil
Acids in mustard oil are an effective cure for frostbite as they are antibacterial agents and promotes blood circulation when gentled massaged onto the frostbitten area.
Warm olive oil is another cure for this condition as it improves blood circulation and moisturizes dry skin to prevent bleeding and rupture of the frostbitten skin. Ensure the oils are warm and not hot to prevent further damage to the frostbitten area.
Hot Compress
Place a hot compress over the affected area for a few minutes to relieve pain and then use a cold compress for about a minute. This alternating treatment will help to alleviate pain, swelling and irritation to cure frostbite quickly and effectively.
Cayenne Pepper
Also known as hot red chili pepper, this is one of the best home remedies to cure frostbite. Cayenne pepper is also very effective in curing several other diseases like a stomach ache and constipation. Pepper instantly reduces the pain and burning sensation caused by frostbites and increases blood circulation to the afflicted area.
Boil and simmer ten grams of cayenne pepper in a cup of water. Let the pepper simmer for about ten minute. After the solution cools to lukewarm temperatures, gently soak the frostbitten area in the pepper solution or apply to the affected area with a wash cloth.
Ginger
Ginger is an anti-inflammatory and analgesic agent that increases circulation in the body and aids frostbite treatment. Consume ginger tea or a teaspoon of juice from crushed ginger, mixed with a teaspoon of lemon juice and a tablespoon of honey. Cut three or four slices or fresh ginger and add to a cup of water.
Boil and simmer the solution for about ten minutes and let it cool to lukewarm temperatures and apply it to the affected area. This works as an excellent cure for frostbite. You can also rub the ginger gently on the affected area for about five minutes.
Bandages
Gently bandage the frostbitten area. Make sure the bandage is loosely wound and not constricting the blood flow. Put cotton between the toes and fingers to keeps them separated. This works as an effective treatment for frostbite by protecting the afflicted area from cold and pollutants.
Wrapping the bandages too tightly will cause more harm than good as this can cut blood circulation to the tissues previously damaged by a frostbite. Loosely wrapped bandages protect the area from further damage.
Follow these effective home remedies for a frostbite cure.
Caution: Please use Home Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.