How to Treat Frostnip

Frostnip is the least severe form of frostbite but should not be taken lightly. Do everything in your power to prevent frostbite before it occurs, but if you see any symptoms of frostnip, treat it before it turns into something more serious.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Wilderness First Aid Classes
• Water Thermometers
• First Aid Kits
• Camp-stove Fuels
• Camping Cookwares
• Camping Stoves

1. Get out of the cold as quickly as possible.

2. Heat some water with your camp stove, if you are camping, to between 104 and 108 degrees F and take the pot with water off the stove.

3. Strip the affected body part of all clothing and covering.

4. Place the affected body part in the warm water until it is fully rewarmed - that is, all discoloration is gone, and the tissue is soft and pliable.

5. See a doctor right away if you can. If you can't, just take extra care to avoid letting the area refreeze.

Tips & Warnings

• Use the following heat-application method if warm water is unavailable: Place the affected body part against another body part that is warm. For instance, if the cheek is frostnipped, place a warm hand against it; if a finger is frostnipped, put it in a warm armpit.
• If you try the heat-application method and the part doesn't warm within a few minutes, assume a more severe degree of frostbite and treat accordingly.
• Frostbite can strike in any season, especially in the high country. Keep a close eye on the weather wherever you go in the wilderness, and adjust your plans as necessary to avoid the risk of frostbite.
• Prevent refreezing at all costs: This can cause severe tissue damage.
• If blisters begin appearing during rewarming, this indicates a more severe degree of frostbite. Again, treat accordingly.
• "Folk remedies," such as rubbing the affected part with snow, exposing the area to an open flame, or hitting the area (supposedly to restore circulation), may only make the injury worse.
• Avoid tight-fitting clothing - including footwear - which might impair circulation.
• Avoid alcohol, which contributes to dehydration and impairs judgment, as well as caffeine and nicotine, which constrict blood vessels and therefore reduce the blood supply to extremities.
• This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.

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