How to Help Frostbite
Frostbite is a dangerous condition that is precipitated by exposure to cold temperatures. It causes the skin or the cells beneath the skin to freeze. The hands, feet, nose, ears and face are most at risk from frostbite when subjected to cold, as the blood vessels will constrict and allow ice crystals to form in the tissue. Anyone that ventures outdoors in the cold should have a basic knowledge of how to treat frostbite.
Instructions
-
How to Help Frostbite
-
1
Learn to recognize the signs of frostbite. Know that mild frostbite is characterized by white and numb skin that feels stiff when touched. Realize that superficial frostbite will see the skin turn white or blue and actually feel as if it is frozen. Remember that the worst cases of frostbite will have a whitish, bluish or even black color to the affected area and it will be cold when felt and hard as well. Blisters commonly occur in bad cases of frostbite.
-
2
Get out of the cold if you or a companion has frostbite symptoms. Seek shelter where you can warm up and shield yourself from any wind. Be sure to warm up the frostbitten regions at a slow pace. Utilize your own breath or place the affected areas, if possible, inside clothing and next to the groin or armpits.
-
-
3
Elevate the frostbitten part of the body and keep the region wrapped in a blanket if there is a large portion of the body that becomes frostbitten. Utilize a sterile and dry dressing. If fingers and toes are frostbitten, you should apply dressing between the digits to keep them apart.
-
4
Immerse the frostbitten area in warm water if there is any available. Never use hot water for this purpose. Water that can be warmed to about 106 degrees F, which would be appropriate to bathe an infant in, is the best for this job. Remember that as the frostbite thaws, the skin and flesh will begin to become painful. Cease this treatment once the skin becomes soft and feeling returns to the area.
-
5
Stay inside once you have warmed up a frostbitten area. Never venture back outside as this can cause the return of frostbite to the same spot, which can result in even worse damage. Realize that if this is not possible, than the area should not be warmed up until you can access a safe place.
-
6
Avoid walking on feet that have become frostbitten. Do not rub frostbitten skin as this will only serve to injure the area more. Never employ heat lamps, fire or other methods of warming the skin as this can cause serious burns. Leave any blisters that may form due to frostbite alone.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Always seek prompt and professional medical attention once you have returned from an outing where you developed frostbite, even if you feel you have successfully treated it.
