This article discusses the symptoms of frostbite. It also provides photographs to help you spot frostbite when it occurs.
Don’t try to warm a frostbite injury until you are in a warm area. If a frostbite injury is warmed and then re-exposed to cold, it can make the damage much worse.
Never rub or massage frostbitten tissue. Frostbite is best treated with warm (not hot) water or body heat.
Toes are extremely vulnerable to frostbite. If you suspect frostbite on your toes or feet, avoid walking on them. Walking on frostbitten toes and feet can make the damage worse.
In this photo, the most damage is on the knuckles. This is because blood flowing through muscle helps it stay warm. Joints have less muscle and more bone.
Doctors sometimes prescribe Ventavis (iloprost) for severe frostbite. This medication improves blood flow and is best taken within 24 hours of exposure.
Depending on the severity, frostbite can take anywhere from a few days to a few months to completely heal. Even after healing, the frostbitten area can remain extremely sensitive to cold temperatures.
If the tissue isn’t surgically removed, gangrene can spread and develop into a serious infection.
It’s important not to put ice directly on the skin or leave it there for too long. Instead, put a lightweight towel on your skin and put the ice over the towel. Use ice for no more than 10 to 20 minutes. Remove the ice pack as soon as the injury starts to feel numb.
Seek medical attention as soon as you can. Find a warm place where there is no chance of refreezing. Remove damp or wet clothing. Warm-up under layers of dry clothing and blankets. Place the frostbitten area in warm water.
Take care not to “shock” the skin with too much warmth. It may be numb, so do not:
Warm-up in front of a fireplace, space heater, or heat lampUse a heating pad or electric blanketRub or massage the frostbitten region
After the skin has warmed, wrap the frostbitten area in clean bandages. Make sure to keep fingers and toes separated. Keep the skin clean so you don’t develop an infection.
Severe frostbite requires medical attention.
Summary
Frostbite can happen quickly in very cold temperatures. You can prevent frostbite by wearing warm clothing and covering vulnerable body parts, like your fingers and nose.
If you think you may have frostbite, get to a warm place as soon as you can and seek medical care. Don’t try to warm the area while you are still in a cold place. Frostbite can be treated with warm water, but never hot water or heating pads. Do not rub or massage frostbite or rub snow into it.
