How to treat Frostibite

Frostbite is a common injury in winter weather, particularly when low temperatures are combined with wind. The nose, ears, fingers, toes, and chin are the most susceptible. The involved part begins to tingle or hurt mildly and then becomes numb. Frozen tissue usually ranges from distinctly white in light-skinned people to ashen grey in dark-skinned people. Here are some tips to help rescue someone with frostbite:

1. Remove the person from the cold as soon as possible.

2. Every effort should be made to protect the frozen part. If there is a chance that the part might refreeze before reaching medical care, it may be more harmful to thaw it and let it refreeze than to await arrival at the treatment area for thawing.

3. Rapid rewarming is essential. Do not rub the injured part as friction may cause further damage. Use lukewarm water or use warmed blankets. Within about 30 minutes, sensation may return to the part, which may become red, swollen, and painful.

When the part is warm, keep it dry and clean. If blisters appear, use sterile dressings.