Frostbite is a condition that affects skin and underlying tissue and can be painful as well as disfiguring. Within 20 minutes of being exposed to zero weather, unprotected skin can be severely damaged. The thermometer may read in the twenties or even thirties, but factoring in the effects of the wind can bring the temperature way down! People with poor circulation and other health problems (such as diabetes) can become affected even sooner. Children are at greatest risk for frostbite because they lose heat from their skin more rapidly than adults and also because they can be more reluctant to come inside where it’s warm! Unfortunately, the very thing that is damaging the skin is the same thing that makes a person unaware of the damage going on – extreme cold that causes numbness.

The body attempts to conserve its core temperature by constricting blood vessels in the extremities and in the skin. Before frostbite occurs a condition known as frostnip happens. The exposed area (most commonly fingers, toes, nose and cheeks) become numb and white, sometimes pale yellow. Frostnip can be treated at home by removing wet clothing and gently immersing affected areas in warm – not hot - water.

Before numbness sets in you may be aware of tingling and burning, or “pins and needles” sensation. Those are sure signs that you must go indoors and SLOWLY warm the area, never using hot water - let warm water be your choice! Ice crystals are formed in the exposed area and the damage has begun. Before too long cells begin to die because the blood flow through the vessels stops. Frostbitten skin is hard, waxy, white and also numb. While the area is frozen there may be an aching sensation, but as it thaws the area becomes red and the pain can become excruciating. A doctor should treat it immediately. If home first aid is necessary before getting to a doctor, be careful not to disturb any blisters that have formed, do not rub or massage affected areas, and wrap all thawed areas to keep them from becoming re-frozen. If there is a possibility of the area becoming re-frozen it is better not to thaw it in the first place, because damage is more severe the 2 nd time. Do not consume alcohol or any beverages – including hot chocolate – with caffeine in them, because the blood vessels will constrict even further.

By planning ahead and dressing for the weather conditions, frostnip and frostbite can almost always be avoided. Even if you are not troubled by those extreme cold-weather conditions, chances are the dry heat and cold temperatures of winter will take its toll on your skin - it is common to have itchy skin that flakes and may actually be sore. There are several things you can do to alleviate dry skin. For instance, don’t bathe/shower in water that is too hot. Immediately after patting yourself dry, gently apply a moisturizer to re-hydrate your skin. Be sure to cleanse facial skin with a mild, non-irritating lotion or cream. One that is labeled “pH correct” is what to look for! Lips and hands require special treatment too, especially if you are experiencing harsh weather conditions.

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RECIPES FOR SKIN HEALTH

Pineapple Bread Pudding

Preheat oven to 325^o. Spray 2-qt baking dish with non-stick spray.

Cream together in lg mixing bowl:

• 4TB butter
• 1 small pkg instant vanilla pudding
• ½ tsp cinnamon

Continue mixing until fluffy. Then add:

• 3 eggs, one at a time

Set aside. In separate smaller bowl combine:

• 1 can crushed pineapple, undrained
• ½ c. coconut
• ½ c. raisins
• 1 tsp vanilla

Blend this into creamed mixture. Fold in:

• 8 slices day-old bread (crusts removed and cut into cubes)

Pour into prepared baking dish. Place dish in 9x13 pan. Surround the dish with boiling water. Bake for 1 hr + 15 minutes.

Seafood Salad (6 servings)

In large mixing bowl combine:

• 2 c. cooked crabmeat, chopped ORImitation Krab
• 2 c. cooked lobster, chopped ORImitation Lobster
• 1 lb. small shrimp, cooked, peeled and deveined
• 4 stalks celery, finely chopped

In small bowl combine:

• 1 - 16 oz jar prepared sour cream dill salad dressing
• 2 TB fresh dill, chopped

Add to seafood mixture and toss gently. Refrigerate overnight (or at least several hours). Stir before serving. Place 1/6 of mixture on finely sliced lettuce leaves.

Sprinkle with:

• Sliced almonds

Citrus Ice Cream Pie

Mix together gently:

• 2 c. softened vanilla ice cream OR orange sherbet
• 1 – 6 oz can concentrated orange juice, thawed
• 1 – 8 oz carton lowfat Cool Whip, thawed

Pour into:

• 1 prepared 9” graham cracker pie crust

Cover with plastic wrap and freeze for at least 1 hour.

Endnotes

http://www.detnow.com/wxyz/health/article/0,2132,WXYZ_15919_2559287,00.html

http://www.kidshealth.org/parent/firstaid_safe/emergencies/frostbite.html

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000057.htm#Considerations

http://www.thepoles.com/expguide/frostbite.htm

http://www.skinexpert.net/conditions/index.html

IH Distribution LLC, who brought you this article, has a full line of professional skin care & nutritional products: all products (including anti-aging products) can be purchased with a 30 day money-back guarantee

www.ihdistribution.com

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