Frostbite: The Most Common Freezing Injury

Frostbite is an injury wherein there is damage to the skin and its underlying tissues caused by extremely cold temperatures. The most often affected areas of the body are the extremities (e.g. fingers and toes) and exposed skin (nose, cheeks, ears and chin), with the latter being the most vulnerable to frostbite. Although it is also worthy to note that frostbite may occur even on skin covered by gloves and other protective clothing. The first stage of frostbite is frostnip. It is considered mild and does not lead to permanent damage to the skin. Other stages of frostbite will require medical help as damage may not be superficial only but may even affect the underlying tissues, muscles and bones. Sever frostbite may lead to complications, such as infection and nerve damage. When frostbite affects the blood vessels, damage is permanent and gangrene may occur. Hence, amputation of the affected area will be required. Frostbite is the most common freezing injury. Risk Factors of Frostbite When the skin is exposed to very cold temperatures, frostbite occurs. The following conditions/ lifestyle factors may increase a person’s likelihood of developing frostbite: Poor blood circulation in the legs Smoking Diabetes Raynaud’s Phenomenon, a condition characterized by intermittent ischemia of the fingers and toes of both sides, and sometimes ears and nose in cold temperatures Certain medications, such as beta blockers Symptoms of Frostbite Frostbite symptoms are usually evident. These include: Pins and needles sensation in the affected body part, which is succeeded by numbness Cold, hard and pale skin after it has been bare and uncovered for a prolonged period of time Lack...

Cold Sores: Causes and First Aid

Cold sores, sometimes referred to as fever blisters, are small red blisters that are found on the face. These fluid filled blisters often appear in multiples and patched over one area of the face, usually on or around the lips. Generally, cold sores pop open after a few days resulting to the leakage of clear fluid and a scab that is present only for a few days. The normal period for healing is usually a few days to two weeks. Although infrequent, the most common complication that can arise from cold sores is dehydration. Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). It is different from other common viral infections because symptoms do not usually manifest immediately after the infection. It is usually triggered by something else, which will be discussed later. HSV has two strains, Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 is what causes the cold sores and is transmitted through oral secretions or presence of sores on the skin. Alternatively, Type 2 is what leads to genital herpes. Unfortunately, this infection remains for one’s lifetime. Causes of Cold Sores As previously mentioned, symptoms of HSV, such as cold sores remain dormant unless triggered by conditions such as: Viral infections such as those that cause the common cold and influenza, among others AIDS, chemotherapy medications or steroids, and other conditions that lead to immunosuppression Physical or emotional stress Fatigue Trauma Hormonal changes, such as during menstruation Weather exposure, such as sunlight and windy Associated Symptoms of Cold Sores Cold sores are symptoms of HSV Type 1. The following associated symptoms may also manifest: Collection of...

A First Aid Approach to Blisters

Blisters defined as a fluid collection beneath the epidermis, the top layer of the skin, but above the dermis, the layer underneath the epidermis.  A blister primarily forms because of friction or when two surfaces rub against each other, wherein one surface is the skin. The pressure and rubbing against the surface of the skin irritates the skin leading to a blister. Blisters are also called bleb or bulla. There is no need for medical care when it comes to managing blisters as they can be managed at home with proper first aid taught in First Aid Classes. However, when a blister is painful or makes walking difficult, it may be best to seek medical care. Causes of Blisters Blisters can be found anywhere in the body but are usually found in the hands and feet because these are the areas that are most prone to pressure and rubbing, which are the primary causes of getting a new blister. Wearing uncomfortable or ill-fitting shoes or even a new pair of shoes Using a hammer, a shovel or riding a bike Holding on to bars for a long period of time Lifting heavy weights Burns Reaction to drugs Contact with irritants, such as in cases of contact dermatitis and atopic dermatitis Skin diseases, such as chicken pox and impetigo First Aid Treatment for Blisters It is not generally recommended to pop blisters are they may result to an infection. The skin over the fluid acts as a protection from bacteria. Therefore, if the blister is not causing much pain, keep it intact. If the blister is not too painful, keep...

First Aid 101: Acute Upper Respiratory Infections in Workplaces

Unknown to many employers and employees, acute upper respiratory infections (AURI) can be contracted in the workplace and cause net loss due to absenteeism and poor work performance even though AURI is one of the leading causes of hospitalization in Grand Prairie . This is why it is important for both employers and employees to know the risk factors of AURI in a workplace setting and how taking Grand Prairie first aid classes can help. Seasonality AURI, especially those that are caused by viruses, are known to be seasonal in nature. This means that for workers who spend most of their time outside or in the field are more likely to develop this disease. Because of the fact that it is seasonal, many workers are caught off guard by these infections. Most of the time, they neglect doing proper hygiene or immune system boosting techniques since they think that the season of AURI is over or that it will never come. Hence, they always get sick when they least expect it. Those who work indoors are also at risk because of the seasonality of AURI. Working inside a cold office building or room and going out to face the blistering heat of the sun or vice versa is one of the causes of sinusitis and other AURI. Contagiousness Because of the fact that some AURI are highly contagious, healthcare workers who are treating patients that are diagnosed with any of these diseases are at high risk for contracting the disease as well especially those who work in rural areas or areas with insufficient hygiene and healthcare equipment. This is...

Risk Factors of Acute Upper Respiratory Infections in Children

Even though acute upper respiratory infections are the leading causes of adult emergency visits in Grand Prairie, these types of diseases are more common in children than in adults. This is because children are consistently exposed to environments and situations which put them at greater risk for acquiring these diseases. This is why knowing basic Grand Prairie first aid is a must of parents. Here are some of the risk factors of acute upper respiratory infections in children. Bottle feeding In a study that was conducted by Dr. Sheryl W. Abrahams and Dr. Miriam H. Labbok which was published in the United States National Library of Medicine in 2011, it was revealed that cases of otitis media was higher for babies who were introduced to bottle feeding within six months after birth. Their research strongly supports the study that was conducted by Swedish researchers in 1994 in which it was revealed that breastfed children have more immunity towards the disease. Considering that all babies should be introduced to formula at some point, babies are immediately exposed to one of the risk factors of AURI, specifically otitis media, months after being born. Low Immunity Because of the fact that the immune system of children are generally weaker than the immune system of adults, they are more likely to suffer from diseases that are caused by bacterial and viral infections such as AURI. This means that even if they are home-schooled or even if they do not always meet a lot of people and go to many public places, they are still at risk for developing one form of AURI. Human...