Frostbite is a disease with a higher incidence and greater harm in high-altitude areas. Mild cases can affect health and work ability, while severe cases can lead to disability and even endanger life. Therefore, the treatment of frostbite in high-altitude areas is crucial.
Characteristics of high-altitude frostbite
(1) The higher the altitude, the higher the incidence of frostbite;
(2) It can occur in all four seasons, with the majority occurring in January, February, and December;
(3) Due to complex terrain, inconvenient transportation, and difficult treatment, it is prone to frostbite, melting, and re freezing injuries;
(4) The amputation rate of severe frostbite is relatively high.
The importance of early treatment
For frostbite in high-altitude areas, early detection, rapid escape from cold environments, rapid rewarming, and shortened frostbite time should be achieved. Fire roasting is strictly prohibited to prevent local skin and soft tissue necrosis. At the same time, it is also necessary to prevent frostbite, melting, and refreezing.
The importance of improving microcirculation
Under high altitude conditions, the hematocrit and blood viscosity are higher, platelet aggregation is enhanced, blood tends to be hypercoagulable, and thrombosis is easily formed in microcirculation. Hypoxia can increase microvascular permeability, increase peripheral vascular resistance, and decrease blood flow. The use of dextran has important clinical significance in improving the coagulation of red blood cells, unblocking capillary blood flow, reducing blood viscosity, increasing tissue perfusion, and preventing thrombosis.
The advantages of exposure therapy
The climate in high-altitude areas is cold and dry, with strong ultraviolet radiation, which is not suitable for bacterial growth. Therefore, the number of bacteria in the air is relatively small, providing a good environment for preventing and controlling wound infections, inhibiting scab dissolution and erosion, and accelerating wound healing. Therefore, exposure therapy is recommended in high-altitude areas.
