Uttarakhand 15
reserves of moisture which causes swelling of the face and
body. More intake of liquid food, hot tea and other
beverages is recommended.
Chilbilinis. This is caused by extreme cold and results in
parts of the body becoming red with severe irritation
which later on turn blue and become awfully painful.
Fomentation with warm water helps to remove it.
Trenchfoot. This is caused by prolonged exposure to wind
and cold combined with the damp footwears which stagnates
blood circulation, due to lack of movements. As it deterio-
rates it turns into chilbilinis and not properly attended to,
it may lead to permanent loss of that part of the body.
Lukewarm water treatment and warm clothing coverage is
advisable.
Sunburn. It happens due to reflection of ultraviolet rays
from the snow and the affected parts are mostly chin, ear
lobes, optum and eyes which may be'affected by snow
blindness. Wearing of snow glasses and use of lip saliva or
vaseline is suggested.
Pulmonary oedema. Pulmonary oedema takes place due to
poor acclimatisation or exposure of body to severe cold
which results in mild coughs pain, sore throat and body ache.
As the case deteriorates, due to lack of timely aid, patient
fights for oxygen. In such cases, immediate removal to
lower altitudes is advisable and for temporary relief treat-
ment of and pedermycine aspirin alongwith oxygen is
advisable.
These are some of the basic hazards which a trekker has
-to encounter; others come by lack of experience. Therefore
•continued efforts should be maintained to streamline the
arrangements on foolproof basis.
As such, the technique and craft of trekking can be
summed up as an adventure wedded to hard work, patient
organisation, experiment and above all unwavering devotion
•to an end which lifts it above other sports.