by Linna Jensen

Created on: November 07, 2008

Frostbite is a localized cold injury, which occurs when parts of the body are exposed to intense cold. Most commonly, localized cooling or freezing afects the ears, nose, face, hands, fingers and toes. When that happens blood flow to that part is limitted because the blood vessels have constricted. As a result the tissue freezes and, in the most secere cases, gangrene (or localized tissue death can occur). There are two types of localized cold injuries: early and superficial, also called frostnip, and late and deep - frostbite. Frostbite will develop if an early cold injury has been left untreated. In frosnip tissue damage is minor. In frostbite, however, all layers of the skin have been already damaged. Muscles, bones, blood vessels and organ membranes can be affected as well. The affected skin will usually appear white. There also might be swelling and blistering. As the injury progresses, if untreated the skin will turn greyish color, which is a sign of real trouble.

To determine how deep the frostbite had progressed feel the affected area gently, but do not squeeze or poke the tissue with any objects. Do not rub the area, do not brake any blisters, do not allow the person to walk on an affected extremity, also do not attempt to thaw a frozen extremity if there will be any chance of it being refrozen. Do not allow the person to drink alcohol or smoke. A person with frostbite will need medical care in a controlled enviornment, like a hospital. It is not recommended that you try to rewarm the area directly as the risk of permanent tissue injury is to great with this kind of rewarming.

A good idea will be to find a bid trash bag, place it in a trash can and fill up with warm water. If a lower extremity is affected, place it in the warm water,without touching the walls of the bag or trash can. If the person starts feeling pain in the affected area this is great, as pain is a good indicator that tissues are alive and working. Water temperature should not be higher that 100F.

When the affected part starts turning red in color remove from the water and wrap it in dry and clean dressing, like a towell. If toes or fingers are affected place gauze pads or something else in between them so they dont stick together. Cover with blankets or sheets to keep the area as warm as possible. Try not to put any pressure on the affected part.

Try to keep the person's entire body as warm as possible and the next best thing you can do is take them to the hospital.

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