Each year in the United States, nearly 10,000 people suffer from frostbite. Frostbite is when the skin freezes when exposed to freezing temperatures for a long period of time. It can be very painful and can be very serious. If it is not treated quickly surgery may be required.

Frostbite can be easily prevented by dressing properly for the weather that you may confront. Also, being aware of the early symptoms of frostbite can aid in prevention. A mild case of frostbite can be treated at home but in the case of a serious frostbite, medical attention should be sought out immediately.

For Mild Cases (Outer skin is hardened and frozen, numb, and/or white)

· Get into a dry, warm place.

· Put on dry, warm clothing. Be sure to cover your head as well to retain more of your body heat.

· Make sure your feet are also kept warm and refrain from placing them on cold surfaces.

· Drink nonalcoholic, warm liquids as alcohol will cause the blood to lose heat rapidly.

For Moderate Cases (symptoms of Hypothermia)

· Remove all wet clothing immediately.

· Wrap a blanket or sleeping bag around yourself. If you are with someone else, wrap the blanket around both of you.

· If you are conscious and not vomiting drink nonalcoholic, warm liquids.

For Severe Cases (Underlying tissue is hard/frozen and the skin is blotchy and/or blue, and blistering, and has Hypothermia)

· Seek medical attention immediately.

· If you are not improving and professional help is not available, get into a warm bath (100°F to 105°F (37.8°C to 40.5°C) and soak for 20 to 40 minutes.

Signs of Frostbite:

· Hard, glossy, grayish, yellow or bluish skin

· Blotchy skin

· Firm, whitened skin areas

· Pain in an affected area

· Swelling

· Numbness in an affected area

· Prickly sensations

· Peeling or blistering

· Itching

How to Treat Frostbite:

· Immediately soak the affected area into warm water (104°F to 110°F (40°C to 43.3°C), for 20 to 40 minutes.

· If you have any antiseptic, add this to the water.

· If you do not have warm water, hold the affected area against a warm body part (e.g., under an armpit) or warm by breathing out with your mouth on the area.

· Never rub or massage the affected area.

· If blisters develop, cover them with a bandage or gauze to prevent them from opening and becoming infected.

· Elevate the affected area.

· If the frostbite is on the feet, keep your feet up and do not walk around.

· Do not stand directly in front of a fire or applying a heating pad to the area.

· Keep yourself as warm as possible. Wrap yourself in blankets to protect yourself from the wind and cold.

· Refrain from smoking as it slows down the circulation of blood to the extremities.

· Drink warm, nonalcoholic beverages.

· Warming the affected area can be very painful. It helps to take a pain reliever to help dull the ache.

· Do not remove the affected area from the water once sensation is returning to the affected area.

· Never re-warm the affected area if there’s a chance that it will freeze again, but wait until you have reached shelter.

Treatment of frostbite depends on the severity of damage to the skin. Hospitalization is usually necessary in severe cases.

People who are susceptible to Frostbite:

There are those who will be more susceptible to frostbite and should take extra care and precaution when putting themselves at risk.

· Anything that limits your blood flow will increase your chances of getting frostbite.

· Atherosclerosis or other circulatory problems can reduce blood flow in the body due to narrowed arteries, thereby increasing any chances of getting frostbite.

· Beta-blocker medications can make one very susceptible to frostbite as they reduce the blood flow to the skin.

Preventing Frostbite:

To avoid frostbite injury in the future:

· Wear loose fitting, warm, layered clothing when out in the cold.

· Wear mittens instead of gloves.

· Wear wool or insulated socks.

· Wear a hat and scarf to cover ears, face and head.

· Refrain from being outside for long periods of time in severely cold weather.

· If your clothing ever gets wet, change it immediately.

· Check your skin every 15 minutes for signs of frostbite.

· Avoid caffeine, tobacco, and alcohol when going out in the cold, as these can cause your skin to become more prone to thermal injury.

Hypothermia…

Some typical symptoms of hypothermia are as follows:

· Cool/cold abdomen

· Cool/cold, pale skin other than on the affected area

· Slurred speech

· Sudden clumsiness

· Impaired judgment

· Confusion

· Apathy

· Slow pulse or slowed breathing

· Weakness

In most cases those who suffer from frostbite will also suffer from hypothermia and at the same time it is possible for a person to suffer from hypothermia and not have frostbite. Any and all cases of hypothermia must be treated immediately – it is a serious medical condition and if it is not treated, can lead to death.

Frostbite can happen at any time and should always to be treated seriously and immediately.