Frostbite Symptoms And Prevention Tips

From the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services:

Frostbite

Frostbite is the actual freezing of the tissue or a body part. It often affects the ears, nose, fingers and toes. Warning signs of frostbite include:

•Pale or waxy white or grey skin

•Numbness

•Tingling or stinging sensation in the affected body part

•Aching in the affected body part

•Reduced blood flow

 

If frostbite is detected, seek medical care. If there is frostbite but no sign of hypothermia and immediate medical care is not available, do the following:

•Move to a warm dry area

•Remove wet or tight fitting clothes

•Avoid walking on frostbitten toes or feet

•Gently place affected area in warm water – DO NOT use water any hotter than 105°F

•DO NOT use a heating pad, heat lamp or stove, fireplace or radiator for warming

•DO NOT rub affected area, this can cause more damage

•After warming, the injured area should be wrapped in sterile gauze, keeping the affected fingers and toes separated

•If normal sensations haven’t returned in 30 minutes, seek medical attention

 

How to Prevent Frostbite

•Be aware of the warning signs of cold-related illness, such as uncontrollable shivering, sleepiness, confusion, changes in skin color, slurred speech and loss of consciousness.

•Stay indoors and in a warm area. If heat is not available, consider a visit to a shopping mall, public library, movie theatre, church, community building or shelter.

•Increase your fluid intake – regardless of your activity level. Don’t wait until you feel thirsty to drink fluids. Ensure infants and children drink adequate amounts of liquids.

•Avoid drinks containing caffeine and alcohol because they affect how your body reacts to the cold. Warm fluids such as broth or juice are good, as well as sports drinks.

•Wear something on your head. Fifty percent of all body heat is lost through the head, so wearing a hat will keep your whole body warmer.

•Protect the ears and face. Wear a scarf to protect your lungs from cold air – it will also protect your ears and face.

•Boots should be waterproof.

•Several layers of clothing are better than a single heavy layer. The space between the layers works as insulation to help keep you warmer.

•Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any prescription drugs. Some drugs affect the way your body reacts to the cold.

•Minimize sitting or squatting in the cold for prolonged periods of time. These positions can hinder circulation.

•While outdoors, take frequent breaks in a warm place.

•If you have to be outdoors, schedule outdoor activities during the warmest part of the day, usually 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

•Adjust to outdoor activity. avoid muscle strain by stretching and doing a few exercises before going outside to work. Extreme cold puts extra strain on the heart – no matter what your age or physical condition.

•Use the buddy system. Monitor the condition of your co-workers and have someone do the same for you. The buddy system can be used to inspect for signs of frostbite. Just before freezing, the skin, especially the face, becomes bright red. Then small patches of white appear, as freezing actually occurs.

•Prevent chapped skin by frequent application of protective lotions.

•Carry extra clothes with you such as socks, gloves, hats and jackets so that you can change them if you get wet.