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What is Frostbite?
Frostbite is defined as damage to the skin, and tissues underneath the skin, caused by really cold temperatures that can occur in a matter of seconds to one or more body parts causing damage that cannot be fixed. Frostbite causes an aching pain or numbness of the skin making it feel rock-hard, with a white, waxy, or purplish look. Hands, feet, earlobes and the nose are parts of the body that are more likely to be effected by frostbite.
What are the different types of Frostbite?
There are three different types of frostbite. The first type is called frostnip where the skin turns numb and white in color for a short period of time. The skin may feel stiff, but warm and soft underneath the skin. This type of damage has very little chances of blistering, infection, or permanent scarring as long as it is treated promptly. The second type is superficial frostbite where the skin is white or blue and feels hard and frozen. Blistering is likely and correct treatment by a doctor is needed to prevent severe or permanent injuries. The third type is deep frostbite where the skin is white, blotchy and/or blue. Underneath the skin feels hard and cold. Blistering will happen and if not treated immediately can lead to loosing a hand or foot.
What causes Frostbite?
Frostbite is caused by parts of the body getting very cold over a long period of time. The damage of frostbite is caused by both the de
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crease of blood to hands and feet and ice crystals forming between the layers of skin causing the skin to turn hard and dry.
Who is at risk for Frostbite?
Anyone could get frostbite. People have a greater chance of getting frostbite if they have blood-vessel disease, hypertension or are taking certain blood pressure lowering medicines (called beta-blockers), diabetes, and pain in the arms or legs. Patients who smoke, drink large amounts of alcohol, get wet while it is cold outside, and are over 65 years of age are also at greater risk of getting frostbite.
How can Frostbite be prevented?
To prevent frostbite, dress in layers including cold weather gear (jacket, gloves, socks, hat and scarf). Continue to move arms and legs when in cold weather, avoid wet conditions, and drink warm, non-alcoholic, caffeine-free liquids (Don't drink before going into the cold will help).
How is Frostbite treated?
Frostbite requires immediate, emergency medical attention by a physician. If it is not possible to get to a hospital right away or there is a wait for the ambulance, do the following:
Come in out of the cold as soon as possible.
Remove all wet clothing. Treat frozen parts gently-don't rub them.
Immerse chilled body parts in warm (not hot) water for about 30 minutes or until feeling re
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turns. Do not use dry heat (fireplace, oven, or heating pad).
Make sure to warm the entire body-not just frostbitten part. Wrap the rest of the body in blankets.
Place clean cotton balls between frostbitten fingers and toes after they've been rewarmed. Do not break any blisters.
Loosely wrap rewarmed areas with clean bandages to prevent refreezing, keep as still as possible.
Give ibuprofen (or other pain relieving medication) for pain.
Get medical care immediately.
For more information, please contact your pharmacist or physician. For further information on frostbite, please feel free to use the following links:
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