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| COLD WEATHER HEALTH RISKS |
CHILBLAINS
Chilblains are caused by the skin's abnormal reaction to cold, damp or draughty conditions
If the skin is chilled, and then followed by too fast warming with direct heat, chilblains may result
Symptoms
· burning and itching on hands and feet · the itching and burning intensifies in warm environment
· May be swelling or redness · Extreme cases, the skin may break, and sores (ulcers) may develop
Prevention
1. Keep your body, feet and legs dry and warm (waterproof footwear)
2. Dry wet feet as soon as possible, warm with hands, apply foot powder, put on dry socks
3. The whole body, not just the feet, needs to be kept warm
4. If wet boots or socks unavoidable, continually exercise feet / toes (never wear tight boots)
First Aid Care
1. Handle feet gently, don't scratch them
2. Witch hazel or calamine will take away most of the discomfort.
3. If the chilblain has ulcerated, apply an antiseptic dressing
4. If the chilblain hasn't broken you can paint them with an over-the-counter preparation. At night,
rub some lanolin ointment well into the feet to help retain heat
5. Stay With The Victim until medical help arrives
6. Seek professional medical assistance as soon as possible
Chilblains are caused by the skin's abnormal reaction to cold, damp or draughty conditions
If the skin is chilled, and then followed by too fast warming with direct heat, chilblains may result
Symptoms
· burning and itching on hands and feet · the itching and burning intensifies in warm environment
· May be swelling or redness · Extreme cases, the skin may break, and sores (ulcers) may develop
Prevention
1. Keep your body, feet and legs dry and warm (waterproof footwear)
2. Dry wet feet as soon as possible, warm with hands, apply foot powder, put on dry socks
3. The whole body, not just the feet, needs to be kept warm
4. If wet boots or socks unavoidable, continually exercise feet / toes (never wear tight boots)
First Aid Care
1. Handle feet gently, don't scratch them
2. Witch hazel or calamine will take away most of the discomfort.
3. If the chilblain has ulcerated, apply an antiseptic dressing
4. If the chilblain hasn't broken you can paint them with an over-the-counter preparation. At night,
rub some lanolin ointment well into the feet to help retain heat
5. Stay With The Victim until medical help arrives
6. Seek professional medical assistance as soon as possible
| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Please Note: All information on Troop17.com is for training and educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, treatment, and care consult your doctor or a medical professional Credits: Yahoo! Health Encyclopedia, Copyright 2002 A.D.A.M, Inc., Copyright 2002 Yahoo Inc. Boy Scout Handbook, Copyright 1998 by the Boy Scouts of America Field Book, Copyright 1967, 1984 by the Boy Scouts of America Okpik: Cold-Weather Camping, Copyright 1990 by the Boy Scouts of America OA Guide to Winter Camping, Copyright 1995 Rick Curtis, Outdoor Action Program, Princeton University |