Frostbite

Alternative names:

cold exposure extremities

First aid:

1. Shelter the victim from the cold and move the victim to a warmer place. Remove any constricting jewelry and wet clothing.
   
   
2. Immerse the frostbitten part in water heated to 102 to 106 degrees Fahrenheit or 39 to 42.2 degrees Celsius. To determine if the water is the correct temperature, normal skin should be able to be submerged into the water for a prolonged period of time with minimal discomfort. Note: heated tap water is too hot. Never use a numb, frostbitten finger or toe to test water. To speed up the warming process, keep the water circulating. Burning pain, swelling and color changes may occur during warming. Warming is complete when the skin is soft and sensation returns. A moderate to extreme burning pain may occur during the last five to 10 minutes of rewarming. The thawing process usually requires 30 to 45 minutes.
   
   
3. Apply dry, sterile dressing to the frostbitten areas. Put dressings between frostbitten fingers or toes.
   
   
4. Move thawed areas as little as possible.
   
   
5. Prevent refreezing by wrapping the warmed areas.
   
   
6. If the frostbite is extensive, give warm drinks to the victim in order to replace lost fluids.

Do not:

• DO NOT thaw out a frostbitten area if it cannot be kept thawed. Refreezing may make tissue damage even worse.



• DO NOT use direct heat (such as a radiator, campfire, heating pad, or hair dryer applied directly to the frostbitten area). Direct heat can burn the tissues that are already damaged.



• DO NOT rub or massage the affected area.



• DO NOT disturb blisters on frostbitten skin.



• DO NOT smoke or drink alcoholic beverages during recovery as both interfere with blood circulation.

Call immediately for emergency medical assistance if:

• There has been severe frostbite and feeling and color do not return after home treatment.



• Frostbite has occurred recently and new symptoms develop, such as fever, malaise, discoloration, or drainage from the affected body part.

Update Date: 10/08/99

Updated by: adam.com editorial