Frostbite is characteristic of a frozen skin surface and damage caused to the underlying tissues. Frostbites commonly affect the toes, fingers, nose, ears and chin. Though mild cases of frostbite can be dealt by warming the affected area, severe cases would require immediate medical help. Excessive exposure to cold and wet conditions results in frostbites.
Typical symptoms of frostbite are a white or graying yellow skin which is cold, hard and feels waxy. The affected area may also itch, feel numb and/or burn. Severe frostbites may cause redness, pain, blistering and hardening of the affected area.
First Aid for Frostbite
Immediate steps for frostbites include:
- Get away from the cold or wet conditions as quickly as possible
- Get indoors or seek shelter
- Take off wet clothes
- Warm and dry the areas affected by wearing adequate clothing such as gloves, etc
- Wrap with warm towel, blankets, cloth and remove cover with skin flush
- Avoid rubbing the area affected with snow
- Immerse affected areas in lukewarm water
- Once a little or sufficiently warm do not let the affected area freeze again
- Get immediate help anyway and if you notice that the numbness persists even with warming
Do not give any treatment if second exposure to cold is anticipated because treatment followed by freezing causes more damage to the skin and underlying tissues.