Frostbite

What is Frostbite? A thermal injury to the skin resulting from prolonged exposure to moderate cold or brief exposure to extreme cold. Ice crystals form in and around skin cells due to decreased blood supply Typically hands, feet, nose, ears, and cheeks.

Signs and Symptoms Itching Pain Swelling Numbness Mottled (blotchy) skin Hard, glossy, grayish, yellow skin Pain Numbness Prickly sensations Firm, whitened skin areas Peeling or blistering

Frostnip or Frostbite? 1st degree: Frostnip. Numbness and whitening of the skin. Rewarm promptly. 2nd degree: Superficial frostbite. Outer skin hard and frozen but tissue underneath has normal resilience. 3rd degree: Deep frostbite. Skin is white or blotchy and blue. Skin and tissue underneath is hard and very cold. On rewarming, expect blisters with second or third degree frostbite.

Prevention Keep skin covered Stay warm and dry NEVER accept numbness

Treatment PREVENTION Gently rewarm with another warm body, warm clothing, or lukewarm water Keep the injured area warm! Wrap blisters or peeling skin with sterile gauze.

Treatment No-no’s DO NOT rewarm frostbite if refreezing is possible DO NOT rub DO NOT use direct heat