Frostbite and Urgent Care
Looking for an urgent care center that treats frostbite? According to the Mayo Clinic, frostbite is an injury caused by the freezing of the skin and underlying tissues. Some of the more common signs of frostbite include feeling a prickling sensation, a numbing sensation, experiencing muscle stiffness and skin that looks waxy or is taking on a different color, such as white, red, bluish-white or grayish-yellow.
How does an urgent care center treat frostbite?
Patients will be asked what kind of symptoms they are currently experiencing, as well as how long they have been experiencing their frostbite symptoms. Once the medical professional who is assisting them understands more about their particular case of frostbite, they can then provide them with the necessary treatment.
When a patient has frostbite, they will be categorized into one of three different stages — minimal, moderate and severe frostbite. In order to place a patient into the right category, medical professionals will require the patient to undergo certain tests that help them determine the severity of their frostbite; these tests include X-rays, MRIs and bone scans. First-stage patients will often be treated through a gradual warming process, which can reverse any symptoms the patient is currently experiencing. Second and third-stage patients will often require some type of wound care, tissue removal, physical therapy and often need to take medication for pain.
What causes frostbite?
According to the Mayo Clinic, the most common cause of frostbite is exposure to cold weather conditions, but it can also be caused by direct contact with ice, frozen metal or very cold liquids. This makes it very important for anyone who is outside in cold weather to wear the appropriate clothing to protect their skin from cold weather damage. When cold weather drops to about 5°F, the risk of getting frostbite greatly increases. It is possible for someone to get frostbite in as little as 30 minutes when their skin is not properly protected from the cold.
When to seek medical help for frostbite
While it is possible for someone who has a very minor case of frostbite to treat themselves at home, most cases of frostbite do require the care of a medical professional. It is important for a case of frostbite to be professionally treated when there is no feeling to parts of the skin, and when the skin is hard when touched and/or takes on a white, gray or blue color. For those who are experiencing signs of hypothermia along with their case of frostbite, like intense shivering, slurred speech and extreme drowsiness, it important for them to immediately seek professional medical assistance.
Are you in need of frostbite treatment?
Do you have frostbite? Our urgent care center can treat your case of frostbite. It really is essential that you seek treatment for your frostbite as soon as possible as if you do not seek treatment in a timely manner, it is possible for you to experience permanent damage.
Are you considering urgent care services in the Manassas area? Get more information at https://hoadly.millenniummedicalcare.com.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Recent Posts
The flu shot is an effective, easy way to prevent the seasonal flu. For maximum protection, urgent care and primary care providers recommend these vaccinations before flu season starts in October. Many patients are unaware of how impactful this vaccine can be, which is why learning about its benefits is an excellent first step in…
A multitude of conditions can warrant the need for professional pain management. While pain management can come in the form of medication or treatment, urgent care typically performs the latter. Learning the difference between short and long-term options can help you learn when to consult a doctor.Whether a patient has a chronic condition that causes…
Diabetes is a prevalent disease that negatively impacts the body's glucose levels and, in turn, organs. That is why routine diabetes check are strongly recommended by medical professionals across multiple specialties. They can not only detect diabetes but also if you are on the fast track to developing the condition.Diabetes impacts the body in more…
Having a connection with a primary care provider is paramount for your health. These medical professionals ensure you remain healthy year-round by providing services to prevent many illnesses and conditions. These services do not always mean medications. In fact, the goal of any medical care provider is to keep your body healthy enough to sustain…