Preventing and Treating Frostbite
Keep your family safe while playing or working in the snow and the cold!
Amalia Cochran, M.D., burn surgeon
Often we think of burns caused by heat and fire. But cold injury, or frostbite, can be just as serious. Extreme cold, or even prolonged exposure to cold temperatures, can cause health emergencies including hypothermia or frostbite.
What is frostbite?
Frostbite is the freezing of body tissues. It can be as simple as frostnip, which is the freezing of the very superficial layer of the skin, to deep frostbite which goes down to the bone and muscle.
It is most common in the toes, fingers, nose, ears and cheeks.
Everyone is susceptible to frostbite, but children are at an even greater risk because they lose heat from their skin faster.
What are the signs and symptoms of frostbite?
Cold and numbness begin over the affected area; it will often be quite pale.
The affected area will turn bright pink or red with rewarming and will have a sensation of throbbing, then is likely to develop tingling and pain.
Superficial frostbite – soft skin with a pale area surrounded by a red or pink area; clear blisters may form
Deep frostbite – skin has a more “hard” feel to it, often purple with dark-colored blisters
Treating Frostbite
Severe frostbite requires immediate medical attention, preferably at a burn or trauma center. If a person is unable to get to the hospital immediately, begin first aid, which includes:
- Get the person in warm, dry clothes.
- Drink a warm beverage and stay hydrated.
- Soak the affected area in warm water (between 101 and 104 degrees) if there is no risk of refreezing.
- Do not rub the affected area or use direct heat from a heating pad to warm the affected area, and do not pop blisters that appear.
Preventing Frostbite
- Frostbite can happen when temperatures are below freezing. Wind and humidity can shorten the time it takes to get frostbite. Wind chill can make frostbite worse.
- Wear warm clothes, including hats and gloves (or mittens), and dress in loose-fitting layers.
- Always carry additional warm clothing if traveling by car in a remote area.
- Bring children in at regular intervals to look for signs of frostbite on ears, noses, and fingers.
- Keep dry. Wet clothes increase heat loss. Technical fabrics (not cotton!) are recommended in cool or cold weather.
- If participating in outdoor sports (skiing, snowboarding), a facemask and windproof clothing is important.
