4 Frostbite Symptoms And How To Treat Them

What Is Frostbite?

Frostbite occurs when the skin and the tissue underneath become frozen. Early frostbite symptoms can be seen when your skin turns red and becomes really cold. Then, it will turn numb and be hard and pale. Fingers, toes, nose, ears, cheeks and chin are the usual areas where frostbite occurs. Exposed skin is most likely to become frostbitten, but it can happen to skin that is covered by gloves or clothing as well.

The Three Stages

Frostbite happens in three stages:

Frostnip

This is the earliest stage of frostbite, seen when your skin becomes red and cold. When the affected area becomes warm again, you might have tingling and pain in that area. Frostnip does not cause permanent damage.

Superficial Frostbite

If the cold, red skin of frostnip continues to be exposed, new frostbite symptoms will appear. The skin will turn white or pale and begin to feel warm. This warming sensation is a serious sign of skin damage. Treating frostbite by rewarming the affected area may cause stinging, burning and swelling. Your skin may look mottled or marked with pale spots and darker spots of skin. During the next 36 hours, a fluid-filled blister will likely appear.

Deep Frostbite

This is the most severe stage of frostbite. It affects both the surface layer of skin and the tissues underneath. Your skin will become white or bluish gray. The affected area will lose all feeling, including loss of pain or discomfort and the feeling of being cold. Finger and toe joints may not work due to the numbness. After rewarming the area, large blisters will form within 24 to 48 hours. When the blisters heal, the area underneath will be black and hard, and the tissue will die.

Causes of Frostbite

Frostbite is usually caused by the skin being exposed to cold-weather. Cold temperatures on a windy day can shorten the length of time it takes to get frostbite. It can also be caused by the skin coming into direct contact with ice, frozen metal or very cold liquids.

Improper Clothing

Wearing clothing that isn't warm enough or doesn't cover the skin sufficiently on a cold day may lead to frostbite. Clothing that is too tight may also contribute to frostbite as there is no air pocket between your skin and the layer of clothing for body heat to gather.

Extended Exposure

Staying outside too long when it is cold and windy will lead to frostbite. The chances of getting frostbite increase when air temperature falls below 5 degrees Farenheit even on a calm day. When the wind chill registers at -16 degrees Farenheit, frostbite can occur in less than 30 minutes.

Direct Contact

Touching metal that has been exposed to cold weather can freeze the skin. Plus, if your skin has any moisture on it, the metal will freeze to your skin. The same thing can happen with ice and cold packs.

Risk Factors

There are risk factors that increase a person's susceptibility to frostbite. These risk factors include:

• Some medical conditions if they affect your ability to feel cold, such as fatigue, diabetes and poor circulation.
• Alcohol or drug abuse
• Fear, panic or a mental illness that impairs your ability to respond to cold appropriately
• Having had frostnip or frostbite in the past
• Being very young or elderly (These age groups do not produce and retain body heat as easily.)
• High altitudes
• Smoking

4 Frostbite Symptoms and How to Treat Them

Symptoms

Treatment

Minor frostbite symptoms are able to be treated at home, using general first- aid materials. When the frostbite symptoms are more severe, medical attention is required. The first step in treating all cases of frostbite is rewarming the affected area. Rewarm the affected area in a warm water bath for 15 to 30 minutes. Do not rub the skin or apply direct heat; this will cause more damage. Also, do not walk on frostbitten feet.  After it is rewarmed, severe frostbite requires more treatment. These treatments may include:

Complications of Frostbite

• Increased cold sensitivity
• Long-term numbness
• Changes in skin color
• Changes in, or complete loss of, nails
• Frostbite arthritis
• Increased risk of future frostbite

See your doctor immediately if you develop any signs of the following complications:

• Infection
  
• Tetanus
  
• Gangrene

How to Prevent Frostbite

The damage of frostbite can be prevented. The easiest way to prevent frostbite is to stay indoors when the temperatures outside plummet. If you do need to go out, here are some tips to help you avoid frostbite:

• Not staying outside too long in bad weather.
  
• Dressing in layers of loose, warm clothing. (The air that is trapped between layers acts like insulation.)
  
• Wearing windproof and waterproof outer garments
  
• Wearing a hat or headband that completely covers your ears
  
• Wearing mittens instead of gloves (They protect better.)
  
• Wearing socks that fit well and wick moisture away from the skin
  
• Watching for the early signs of frostbite
  
• Carrying emergency clothing and blankets in your vehicle in case you get stranded
  
• Not drinking alcohol
  
• Moving (Exercise keeps the blood flowing and helps you stay warm.)

Conclusion

Now that you know the frostbite symptoms and the potential for long-term damage from frostbite, we hope that you will prepare yourself adequately when venturing out into the cold. Remember, you can prevent frostbite by following these simple tips. Winter brings the opportunity for all kinds of outdoor fun and sports. Dress properly, and make sure to pay attention to the weather so you can safely enjoy. Don't let frostbite ruin your fun.