About this topic
Frostbite is damage to a body part caused by cold. Frostbite happens when your body tissue freezes. It can be mild or very bad. Frostbite happens most often in the fingers, toes, nose, ears, cheeks, and chin. Frozen tissue cannot get the blood and oxygen it needs. In bad cases, the body part dies and doctors may have to cut off or remove body parts, such as fingers and toes. ‚
What are the causes?
You may get frostbite when you are in freezing temperatures. This is more likely to happen if you are not dressed the right way. Using ice or an ice pack directly on your skin may also lead to frostbite. ‚
What can make this more likely to happen?
Frostbite is more likely to happen to children and older people. Wearing wet clothes while it is very cold outside raises your risk. Being outside in the winter raises your risk. Those who work outdoors and those who are homeless are at risk. If you ski, hunt, or hike in freezing temperatures, you are at a higher risk for frostbite. Smoking, too much fluid loss, and some health problems can cause poor blood flow. If you have low blood flow, your risk is also higher. ‚
What are the main signs?
- Skin looks grayish-yellow or white
- Skin is very hard or waxy
- Skin feels cold and numb
- Blisters
- Trouble moving fingers or toes or other affected areas
- Skin may get red and painful when thawing
- Swelling
- Areas of black skin is a sign of very bad frostbite
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
The doctor will check your skin and talk to you about how long you were in the cold temperatures. ‚
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
- Warming up or thawing frozen tissue:
- Warm, not hot water
- Blankets
- Body heat
- Raise the frozen body part above the heart
- Tetanus shot
- Special braces, splints, or shoes to protect the hurt part
- Walkers, crutches, or canes to take pressure off the hurt part if the frostbite happened on your foot
- Surgery to remove dead tissue. May need amputation in bad cases.
Are there other health problems to treat?
Sometimes, you may have very low body temperature as well. This is called hypothermia. It is a serious problem that also needs care. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
- Prevent or fight an infection
- Break up small blood clots
- Help with blood flow
- Prevent tetanus
What problems could happen?
- Hypothermia
- Infection
- Part keeps on hurting and is more sensitive to cold
- Problems moving part because it is numb and stiff
- Problems doing daily activities
- Blood clots
- Tissue or body part may die and require surgery to remove
- Disability
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Always protect your skin from cold temperatures. Wear layers of warm clothing, mittens, gloves, boots, and earmuffs. Mittens are warmer than gloves. Ski masks can help protect the nose, cheeks, and chin.
- Wear clothing that can protect from both the wind and wetness.
- Always get out of cold, wet clothes as soon as possible.
- Keep updated on weather conditions. Even a few minutes in the cold can cause frostbite.
- If children are playing outside in the cold, make them come indoors regularly to warm up.
- Plan ahead for emergencies. Bring blankets and extra clothes in the car if you are driving anywhere in the cold, and if you are traveling to far or remote areas.
- Be sure to eat and drink enough when you are out in the cold.
- Avoid drinking beer, wine, or mixed drinks (alcohol) and smoking.
- Avoid contact with water or metal. These can be very cold.
- Always carry emergency supplies and tell people where you are going.
Helpful tips
- If you have mild frostbite, remove all wet clothing right away.
- To warm up your hands from frostbite, place them under your armpits. Try putting them in warm but not very hot water. If water is not on hand, use warm blankets. Never use a stove, fireplace, or heating pad as these can cause burns on your numb skin.
- Used gloved hands over your face to protect your nose and ears if they are not covered.
- Do not try to walk on feet or toes with frostbite, unless it is to get to a warmer place. This can lead to worse damage.
- Do not thaw frostbit areas if there is a chance they will freeze again. Freezing, thawing, and refreezing can lead to more damage.
- Never rub skin with frostbite.
- Do not rub snow onto frostbite.
- Do not use lotions or ointments to prevent frostbite. This might actually make frostbite more likely.
Where can I learn more?
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ‚
http://www.emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/winter/staysafe/frostbite.asp ‚
KidsHealth ‚
http://kidshealth.org/parent/firstaid_safe/emergencies/frostbite.html ‚
NHS Choices ‚
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Frostbite/Pages/Introduction.aspx ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚