How to Treat a Frostbitten Nose

Walking, playing, or working outdoors on a wintry day can be invigorating. However, if the temperature is below freezing or there is a serious wind chill and if you have no covering over your face, ears or hands, you may suffer from frostbite on any exposed skin. Especially vulnerable is skin that is thin with little underlying fat. Frostbite, the formation of ice crystals in the skin, can, in some cases, lead to gangrene that can necessitate amputation. If you suffer from a frostbitten nose, prompt treatment can prevent serious damage.

Things You'll Need

• Warm shelter Tepid water Bowl Anusol cream

Instructions

1. Examine your nose in a mirror, or have someone else take a careful look at your nose to see if it looks white or waxy--signs of frostbite.

2. Get out of the cold and begin treatment on the frostbitten nose only if you know you will not refreeze the nose any time soon.

3. Place tepid (not too warm) water in a bowl and immerse the frostbitten nose in the water for 30 to 50 seconds before coming up for air. Continue to repeat immersing the damaged tissue and change the water periodically when it begins to cool. Try to maintain a constant temperature in the water.

4. Watch for color to return to the nose, an indication that blood flow has been restored to the tissues.

5. Seek medical help for follow-up treatment.

Tips & Warnings

• If you do not have shelter, you may try to warm a frostbitten nose in your hands or in the crook of your elbow. After the frostbitten nose has thawed, you may have intense pain in the tissues. You may gently apply a thin layer of Anusol, a cream for treatment of hemorrhoids, to help relieve the pain.

• Do not rub or massage a frostbitten area. Do not use electric heating pads or hot water bottles to treat frostbite, as the victim may have no feeling in the damaged tissues and could suffer severe burns.