How to prevent frostbite

Frostbite is relatively common and can occur to anyone who is exposed to extreme cold. Awareness of frostbite and how to prevent it can help people who hope to spend ample time outdoors this winter avoid this potentially painful condition.

What is frostbite?

Frostbite is the freezing of body tissue, most notably the skin. Certain areas of the body are more susceptible to frostbite, including the nose, ears, toes, and fingers. Those who have circulation issues or diabetes may be more vulnerable to frostbite and will have to be extra diligent in covering up when venturing outdoors.

Many cases of frostbite occur in persons who work outdoors in the cold, including soldiers stationed in cold climates. The homeless and winter outdoor enthusiasts are also susceptible, as is anyone who spends time outdoors when the temperatures are very cold.

Symptoms of frostbite

Frostbite is a serious injury to the body that is caused by freezing tissues. It can create a loss of feeling in the affected areas and even the loss of fingers, toes and limbs.

Cases of frostbite vary in severity. They can range from mild frostnip, which is just a temporary cessation of feeling in extremities, to superficial frostbite, where only the outer skin is affected, to deep frostbite, the most severe type of frostbite wherein the underlying tissues also freeze, possibly resulting in permanent damage or even amputation.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, frostbite can initiate with redness or pain in any area of the skin. As it progresses, the skin may take on a grayish-yellow hue. Numbness may set in, and the skin could feel very firm or even waxy. Progressed frostbite will appear black, and blistering may be present. A person experiencing frostbite is typically unaware that the condition is occurring because of the numbness. It often takes the trained eye of another person to point out frostbite.

Treating frostbite

Depending on how long the skin has been exposed to extreme weather, frostbite treatment can vary.

At the onset, individuals experiencing the primary symptoms of frostbite, including redness, tingling or numbing, can benefit from moving into a warm room. Removal of wet and cold clothing is also adviseable.

The affected tissues should be warmed gently with warm water. The water should be comfortable to the touch in areas not affected by the frostbite. Do not use hot water! If warm, water is unavailable, use body heat to warm the body. This can be done by tucking cold hands under armpits or sitting on them with dry legs.

It is unadvisable to use a dry heating source, like heating pads or a campfire, to thaw frostbitten skin. Also, avoid massaging or disturbing the tissue on frostbitten skin, which can cause further damage.

Prompt medical attention should be sought to determine the severity of the frostbite. A combination of warm therapy and hydration could help salvage damaged tissues.

Preventing frostbite

The easiest way to ward off symptoms of frostbite is to be diligent in preventing it from beginning. This includes wearing several layers of clothing. The innermost layer of clothing should be something that wicks moisture away from the body. Mittens provide more protection than gloves, and wool socks can add an extra layer of warmth to feet and toes. Ears and the face can be covered by scarves or special hat-and-mask combinations.

Increasing physical activity will help keep warm blood pumping through tissue and help a person to stay warm. Avoid smoking tobacco because it can constrict blood vessels and increase one's risk for frostbite. On the same token, do not drink alcohol because it may create the sensation of warmth and may lead a person to think he or she is warm, even if frostbite is occurring.

Keeping a few chemical hand warmers available as well as keeping an extra blanket tucked in a car trunk can help one avoid a cold-weather emergency and reduce the risk for frostbite.