Even necrosis… How to prevent frostbite while hiking in winter?

When hiking in the cold winter months, frostbite is especially important. In the mountains, the temperature drops by 1 degree Celsius for every 150 meters of elevation gain. Furthermore, the cold wind makes the perceived temperature even colder. Prolonged exposure to the cold can lead to frostbite, a condition characterized by prolonged vasoconstriction in the extremities, leading to tissue damage. How can we prevent this?

 

◇If you are in pain and numbness, it is dangerous… You need to keep warm quickly.

 

When hiking in the winter, it's natural to feel a slight numbness in your hands and feet. However, if the numbness goes beyond the numbness and becomes painful and tingling, making even tying your shoelaces or handling small objects difficult, it should be considered a warning sign. Especially when in a warm place, the skin may feel itchy and cold, and a stabbing pain may accompany the redness and swelling. If the condition worsens, the skin may turn blue or black and die. Continued exposure to the cold can lead to tissue rot within five to six hours. In the worst cases, the rotted area may require amputation.

Early treatment is crucial for frostbite. If sensation is lost, the affected area should be constantly moved to restore sensation and quickly rewarmed. Move to a warm location and soak the frostbitten area in water slightly warmer than body temperature (36-38°C) for 30 minutes, then wrap it in a dry gauze. If immediate immersion in warm water is not possible, thaw it with body heat. However, avoid direct exposure to a campfire, heater, or hot pack, or rubbing or massaging the frostbitten area. This can worsen tissue damage.

 

◇Wear thick-soled hiking boots and tie your shoelaces loosely.

 

When hiking in winter, clothing is crucial to preventing frostbite. Rather than wearing a single, thick layer of hiking gear, wear several layers. Wear a balaclava or other warm hat to maintain body temperature. Hiking boots should be thick-soled and somewhat broken-in, rather than lightweight. Wearing enough socks and tying your shoelaces with a little extra room helps prevent frostbite. Wear waterproof and breathable gloves, or wear wool or pile gloves with overgloves to keep them dry. Hiking with wet gloves, socks, or hiking boots is a surefire way to risk frostbite. Wet clothing can wick away body heat 240 times faster than cold. Always carry extra thermal clothing, socks, and gloves, and replace them whenever they become wet.

 

◇Avoid coming down before 4 p.m. and if you have diabetes or high blood pressure

 

When planning a winter hike, it's best to plan your route so you can descend before 4 p.m. Because the sun sets quickly in winter, temperatures drop even by 4 p.m., making it dark and risking getting lost. Furthermore, those with diabetes or high blood pressure have weakened blood vessels and difficulty regulating body temperature, making them vulnerable to hypothermia and frostbite. Winter hikes are best avoided.

 

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When I was young, I got frostbite at school

I think there were a lot of children

 

It's not like that these days, though.

For those who are managing their blood sugar levels,

You have to be especially careful