Frostnip is a less severe form of frostbite. Frostnip can also affect the fingers, toes, ears and the face – the nose and/or chin. The symptoms are more or less the same as in the case of frostbite but with lesser intensity. Nonetheless, a frostnip can also be quiet painful for a person.
First Aid for Frostnip
To treat a frostnip, follow the procedure below:
- Frostnip is caused due to extreme cold weather conditions. Seek shelter and start warming up the parts affected.
- Remove cover from the affected area (it is easy to identify because of the pain and tenderness felt at the spot)
- Dip your affected parts in warm water or warm with your own body heat if warm water is not available. The affected fingers, toes should return to its original color on warming. If you notice BLISTERS beginning to appear in the affected areas, it is not a frostnip but frostbite so treat accordingly.
- Once warmed, do not allow the areas to be freeze again because that can cause further tissue damage and pain.
- Get medical help if the frostnip doesn’t heal in time
A frostnip generally heals with some amount of heating and rest. If not, it may be an indication of a frostbite for which medical assistance is absolutely necessary. A frostnip or frostbite can happen anytime of the year and not necessarily in blizzards. Be aware of the weather forecasts especially if you are planning a trip outdoors. Wear layers to take off or add clothing to keep protected from extreme harsh weathers.