Frostbite Prevention and When to Take Action

10/15/2021 (Permalink)

The different steps for frostbite.

Frostbite:

Frostbite is caused by freezing. The affected areas will have loss of feeling and color. The most common extremities that get affected are the nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers, and toes. Frostbite can permanently damage the body, and in the most severe cases, lead to amputation.

Who is most at risk?

- Poor blood circulation

- Not properly dressed for extremely cold temperatures

Signs and symptoms of frostbite:

If there is redness or pain on any parts of the skin, get out of the cold and protect the exposed skin. Some of these other signs may point to frostbite:

- white or grayish-yellow skin area

- skin that feels unusually firm or waxy

- numbness

Someone may not know they have frostbite until it is pointed out. The frozen parts of their body are numb, and have no feeling.

When to take action:

If you see signs of frostbite on yourself or others, seek medical care. Make sure you also check for signs of hypothermia, as it can also be caused by exposure to cold temperatures. If anyone is showing signs, get emergency medical care.

- Get into a warm room as soon as possible.

- Do not walk on feet or toes that are frostbitten unless absolutely necessary. This could increase the damage.

- Don’t rub the frostbitten area or massage it, as this can cause more damage.

- Put the frostbitten areas in warm water, NOT hot water.

- If warm water is not available, use body heat. For example, if your fingers are frostbitten put them in your arm pit.

- Do not use a heating pad, heat lamp, stove, or fireplace. When areas are frostbitten, it is numb, and you can easily get burnt because you don’t realize how close you are.

Don't substitute these first aid steps for proper medical care. Frostbite injuries need to be examined by a qualified healthcare worker.