Frostbite Danger

Frostbite occurs when the skin is exposed to cold temperatures. The formation of ice crystals in the skin and blood vessels can lead to severe tissue injury and even tissue death. The first symptoms are a “pins and needles” sensation followed by numbness. Later the area becomes insensitive. The skin will become pale and may feel hard. Any part of the body may be affected but hands, feet, nose, face, and ears are the most vulnerable.

Hypothermia occurs when exposed to cold temperatures; your body begins to lose heat faster than it can be produced. Prolonged exposure to cold will eventually use up the body’s stored energy. The result is hypothermia, or abnormally low body temperature. Body temperature that is too low affects the brain, making the victim unable to think clearly or move well. This makes hypothermia particularly dangerous because a person may not know it is happening and won’t be able to do anything about it.

Alcohol and other drugs lessen the body’s ability to cope and adjust to the cold. Watch for physical and mental symptoms of frostbite and hypothermia in yourself and others.

To prevent frostbite and hypothermia:

• Stay inside as much as possible

• Dress in layers with a hat, gloves, scarf, and warm socks.

• Minimize exposed skin: cover ears, neck, and as much of the face as possible. Even a thin layer can make the difference between discomfort and frostbite in extreme cold or wind chill, especially if it is windproof.

• Stay dry.

• Avoid wearing jewelry in pierced body parts that are exposed.

• Encourage good blood circulation by avoiding alcohol and cigarettes prior to exposure.

• Stay active in the cold. Keep moving

If symptoms occur:

• Never massage the damaged tissue.

• Don’t use an affected limb.

• If feet are involved, do not walk.

• Don’t smoke or drink alcohol.

• Upon reaching shelter, remove clothing from the frost bitten part.

• Immerse the part in lukewarm water - hot water increases injury. As the frozen part is rewarmed, the tissue may become red, then purple, and blisters may appear. Do not break the blisters.

• Seek medical attention

Some groups of people at greatest risk for frostbite and hypothermia include people:

• Who spend a great deal of time outdoors, such as the homeless, hikers, hunters, etc.;

• Under the influence of alcohol;

• Who are elderly without adequate heating, food, and shelter;

• Who are exhausted or excessively dehydrated;

• Who are mentally ill.

What are the symptoms and stages of frostbite?

The stages of frostbite are similar to those of burns.

• Frostnip or first degree frostbite is superficial and reversible but may cause significant pain when the extremity rewarms.

•Second degree frostbite is characterized by blisters that form a few hours to a day after injury and signify deeper tissue damage.

•Third degree frostbite describes skin that has been damaged through all its layers and tissue that turns black and hard as it dies.

Cold is a dangerous element, so don’t let hypothermia catch you!