Cold weather diseases to watch out for can be severe (as you will see) and can even lead to death. Therefore, the most recommended treatment for either and all of them is not to be infected in the first place. When bugging out to a cold terrain, you must prepare adequately.
Pack all necessary gear for surviving cold weather, including heavy clothing, good gloves, thick socks, hats, and sturdy boots. The goal is to keep warm and healthy, not to treat diseases.
But if all precautions are taken, and you fall sick anyway, here is what it could be and how to nurse you back to good health.
4 Cold weather Diseases To Watch Out For
Chilblains
Chilblains is an injury to the tissue and is commonly mistaken for frostbite, although less severe. It is caused due to unchecked exposure to cold weather & humidity, although not at a freezing temperature. Often, it is most experienced by people whose systems have circulation defects. Chilblains may last for one week but will usually disappear within 1–2 weeks of exposing yourself to inclement weather.
Signs & Symptoms: skin discoloration; blisters; mild pain in affected areas; itching/burning sensation.
Treatment: keep the injured area warm; apply a topical steroid cream to relieve itching.
Trench Foot
This name was coined from the high number of soldiers who suffered the illness during the second world war. It is the consequence of prolonged exposure to cold, damp conditions. Trench foot is slightly worse than chilblains, and it takes more than 24 hours for symptoms to manifest once caught.
If you refuse to treat the condition, it may lead to gangrene, which will result in amputation. You can avoid this illness by wearing boots that will keep you warm but are not too tight. You must remember to change/dry out your socks at least once daily. Obviously, trench foot is a condition for the feet.
Signs & Symptoms: blisters; discoloration; numbness; pain.
Treatment: Keep feet warm & dry; do not wear socks & boots when resting or sleeping.
Frostnip
This is the initial symptom of frostbite and is therefore reversible. Frostnip leads to superficial freezing of the tissue, but it very rarely leads to permanent skin disfigurement.
Signs & Symptoms: numbness; paleness; tingling
Treatment: continuously warm affected areas the instant you notice it – this can be done by breathing on your hands (if they are the affected parts) or cover the area (ears or nose) with your hands.
Hypothermia
Hypothermia is caused by unrelenting exposure to freezing, numbing cold. It causes the body temperature to fall below 95° F. If left untreated, the condition shuts down the lungs & heart, thereby leading to death. The best way to treat hypothermia is by moving into a warmer area & removing all wet items on the body.
Hypothermia can be mild, moderate, and severe, each of which shouldn’t be trifled with. According to stats, more than 1000 people die from hypothermia in the US every year.
Concluding The Common Cold Weather Diseases To Watch Out For
As already said, one must avoid the above cold weather diseases to watch out for at all costs. Prepare sufficiently before hitting the wild, as there are low chances of contracting any if you’re well prepared. Stay warm.