Preventing Frostbite

When temperatures dip below freezing this winter, be sure to protect yourself from Jack Frost nipping at your nose (or your toes). Frostbite can be a serious, disabling injury. Keep safety in mind when out in the cold during the frigid winter months. Know when you're at risk. Most frostbite can be prevented with adequate preparation.

When are You at Risk of Frostbite?
Typically frostbite happens during periods of prolonged exposure to temperatures below 32 degrees Farenheit, but it can happen in a matter of minutes in extremely cold conditions (like below zero). Cold winds increase the likelihood of frostbite, as the air circulates body heat away from the skin more quickly. Other factors that can lower the body’s defenses include hunger, dehydration, and exhaustion. Frostbite most commonly affects the toes, fingers, ears, chin, cheeks, and nose -- body parts that are often left uncovered.

Three Stages of Frostbite
The first stage is frostnip, characterized by a feeling of pins and needles and your skin turning very white and soft. If you catch frostbite at this stage, you won't suffer any permanent damage. It can be treated by soaking in warm water or breathing your warm breath on the affected area. Superficial frostbite is the next stage. Your skin now feels numb, waxy and frozen to the touch. Blistering may occur and ice crystals may form in your skin cells, which permanently changes the cell structure.

The last stage is deep frostbite, the most serious stage, which can lead to permanent damage, blood clots, gangrene, even loss of your affected limb. All tissues, including blood vessels, muscles, nerves, and bone may be frozen. You won't be able to feel a thing. It is critical to seek medical attention as quickly as possible to minimize the damage.

Dress Properly to Prevent Frostbite
To prevent frostbite, avoid prolonged exposure to cold weather. If you must be outside, wear several thin layers of clothing -- they hold body heat more efficiently than just one bulky layer. Wear a weatherproof outer layer to stay dry. Wear gloves, scarves, insulated waterproof boots, and a warm hat. Shield your face against any strong gusts of wind. Drink plenty of fluids and eat regularly. Change out of any wet clothes immediately. Avoid smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol or caffeine as these can prevent your blood from circulating enough to keep your body warm.

Most importantly, listen to your body. Shivering and feeling cold or numb are warning signs that your body is losing too much heat. Get inside or cover up before it’s too late.

Frostbite First Aid
In the absense of professional medical attention, here are a few first-aid tips for frostbite:

• Bring the person into a warm room as quickly as possible and rest the injured areas
• If feet are frostbitten, avoid walking and elevate them
• Remove any wet or restrictive clothing that could hinder circulation
• Warm the area by soaking it in warm (not hot) water for at least 35 to 45 minutes, or until the affected area feels warm and sensation returns
• Do not rub
• During the warming process, the patient may complain of severe pain and the frostbitten area may swell; this is normal
• Afterward, cover the area with a clean bandage or cloth
• Do not begin the warming process if the person will be exposed to the cold again
• Do not use dry heat, such as a heating pad, fire, radiator, or heater to warm the area; because the skin is numb, it will not feel the heat and could get burned