Frostbite is freezing
of the skin or underlying tissues that occurs as a result of
prolonged exposure to cold.
Frostbitten skin
is pale or blue, stiff or rubbery to touch, and feels cold and
numb. The severity is divided into 3 degrees:
First degree: Frostnip. Skin is whitish and numb, but
there is little likelihood of blistering if it is rewarmed promptly.
Second degree: Superficial frostbite. Outer skin feels
hard and frozen, but tissue underneath has normal resilience.
Blistering is likely.
Third degree: Deep frostbite. Skin is white or blotchy
and blue. Skin and tissue underneath are hard and very cold.
Stay dry and out
of the wind in extreme cold, and cover areas of exposed skin.
Keep your body's core temperature up:
Wear layers of clothing. Wool and polypropylene
are good insulators. Wear windproof, waterproof outer
layers. Wear wool socks and well-fitting, waterproof boots.
Wear a hat to prevent heat loss from your
head. Wear mittens rather than gloves.
Keep protective clothing and
blankets in your car in case of a breakdown in an isolated
area.
Don't drink alcohol or smoke when you are
out in extreme cold.
Get inside or take shelter from the wind.
Check for signs of hypothermia (See
Hypothermia) and treat it before treating frostbite.
Protect the frozen body part from further
exposure. Don't rewarm the area if refreezing is possible.
Wait until you reach shelter.
Warm small areas (ears, face, nose, fingers,
toes) with warm breath or by tucking hands or feet inside
warm clothing next to bare skin.
Don't rub or massage the frozen area, because
doing so will further damage tissues. Avoid walking on
frostbitten feet if possible.
Keep the frostbitten body part warm and
elevated. Wrap it with blankets or soft material to prevent
bruising. If possible, immerse it in warm water 40°
to 42°C (104° to 108°F) for 15 to 30 minutes.
Blisters may appear as the skin warms.
Do not break them. The skin may turn red, burn, tingle,
or be very painful. Aspirin or
acetaminophen may help.
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If the skin is white or blue, hard, and cold (third-degree
frostbite). Careful rewarming and antibiotic treatment are needed to
prevent permanent tissue damage and infection.
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If blisters develop during rewarming (second- or third-degree
frostbite). Do not break blisters. The risk of infection is very high.
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If signs of infection develop:
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Increased pain, swelling, redness, or tenderness.
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Heat or red streaks extending from the area.
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Fever of 37.8°C (100°F) or higher with
no other cause.