SAFETY TIPS FOR WINTER

Presented by: Dr. Robert K. Dowse

When the weather outside is frightful, it’s frightfully easy to stay inside by the fire and the TV set.  No sense risking frostbite, eh?  But what a way to waste a winter!  Fun in the snow, ice and cold is an important part of childhood in this part of the country.  So go chill down…use these important winter safety tips….and warm up to winter fun!!

Frostbite and Frost Nip

Caused by overlong exposure to cold, and made possible by under-protective clothing, frostbite is winter’s equivalent of summer’s severe sunburn.  Though most common among children is the milder form – frost nip – these injuries can lead to extreme pain or even amputation.

The cells literally freeze.  Ice crystals make them swell and block blood vessels, depriving the tissues of oxygen and nutrients.

Frostbite and frost nip are hard to recognize.  Most often, parents realize their child’s skin has been injured after they’ve come inside.  That’s why preventing injury is best.  Limit your child’s time outside.  Watch weather reports. Know about wind chill.

Frost nip most commonly affects the child’s cheeks, ears and tip of the nose.  A small patch of skin will turn white or yellowish-gray.  It will be very cold and numb.  As the skin warms, the patch will turn red and swollen.  A blister may form.  The scab later falls off without permanent injury.

With full-blown frostbite, however, the biggest hazard is in trying to treat it yourself, having the skin thaw, and then having it re-freeze.  If you suspect a moderate or severe case, best to leave the skin frozen and seek treatment at a medical facility.

However, if it appears mild, your child’s physician can advise you on home treatment.  Often, that will be a warm-water (102 degrees) soak for 30 minutes to an hour, followed by mild therapy such as whirlpool baths and, sometimes, pain medication or antibiotics.

-          Do NOT rub frostbitten skin with snow or your hand. That damages what’s already damaged.

-          Make sure the ‘soak water’ isn’t too hot.  Your child won’t be able to detect temperature because the skin is frozen.  Add new, warm water constantly and use a thermometer to check the temperature.

-          Expect tingling, throbbing and burning sensations.

-          A child who is immersed in frigid water outside, or who has been exposed to cold for a long time, is at risk of developing hypothermia, a life-threatening condition.  Sometimes frostbite is a minor aspect of this severe problem.  Seek medical attention immediately.

Protective Clothing

Preventing damage from frostbite is much better than treating it.  The Eskimos – who should know – share the best prevention tip:  layering your child’s clothing.

The foundation layer can be washable wool or silk underwear, which conduct moisture away from the child’s body.  You should avoid man-made fabrics that trap moisture next to the skin.

The insulating layer, such as shirts and sweaters, pants and socks, might consist of two loose layers to trap the warm air.

The protective layer, or outerwear, should be moisture-proof and wind-proof.  Look for thermal-insulated boots and socks that are roomy, not tight; waterproof mittens; a down jacket or coat, the thicker the fill, the warmer; leggings; a face mask; a scarf; earmuffs, and, most important of all, a hat!

Slip-Sliding Away

Supervision is the No. 1 way to prevent bruises, sprains, strains and broken bones caused by sleds, toboggans and snow disks.  It’s a good idea for the parent to watch the kids at play.  Better yet, join in the fun!

Checking equipment is another prevention plus.  If you are buying or using hand-me-downs, look for secure handholds, parts that aren’t bent, no splinters, and no sharp, hooked edges on sleds.

Checking the terrain: a snowfall can cover bumps, ruts, rocks, stumps, branches and the like.  Make sure you or your child look over the “run” first.

Checking conditions.  Ice reduces control but increases speed.  Collisions are more likely when visibility is poor; don’t allow sledding when it’s dark, foggy or snowing hard.

Just remember that your child’s physician is an excellent source of information about winter safety as well.  But, hopefully, these tips will help you to enjoy a wonderful winter of fun!!

Robert K. Dowse, M.D., FAAP is the owner and one of the board certified pediatricians at Premier Pediatrics. Dr. Dowse has a total of 18 years experience in pediatrics.

Currently, Dr. Dowse is the Director of Valley View Medical Center for the Level II Nursery, a physician representative of Iron County School District and a physician representative for Iron County Head Start Program. He is also a member of the Utah Medical Association and a fellow of American Academy of Pediatrics. Premier Pediatrics is located at 1251 N. Northfield Rd. #301 in Cedar City, Utah. They can be contacted at 865-7227 or www.premierpediatrics.net.