Frostbite
What Is Frostbite?
Who Is At Greater Risk?
Frostbite is the freezing of the skin and/or the
bodily tissues under the skin. The fluids in the The elderly and young are particularly
tissues and cellular spaces freeze and crystallize. susceptible. Additionally, persons with circulation
This can cause damage to the blood vessels and problems, such as diabetics; history of previous
result in blood clotting and lack of oxygen to the cold injuries; those who use particular drugs
affected area. Infection and death and decay of (such as alcohol, nicotine and beta-blockers); and
tissue (gangrene) can occur, with subsequent loss those with recent injury or blood loss are at risk.
of body parts. Although not medically related, it seems that
persons from southern or tropical climates may
also be more at risk.
Is Frostbite A Serious
When in frostbite-causing conditions, dress
Condition? appropriately, stay near adequate shelter, avoid
It can be. Serious cases of frostbite have been alcohol and tobacco, and avoid remaining in the
known to kill and damage tissue to the extent same position for long periods.
that amputation has been required. The extent of
frostbite is best evaluated by a qualified medical What Are The Signs and
professional.
Symptoms of Frostbite?
What Parts Are Most Mild frostbite (frostnip) affects the outer skin
layers and appears as a blanching or whitening of
Commonly Affected? the skin. Usually, these symptoms disappear as
The hands, feet, ears, nose and face most often warming occurs, but the skin may appear red for
suffer frostbite. several hours.
In severe cases, the frostbitten skin will appear
What Causes Frostbite? waxy looking with a white, grayish-yellow or
Frostbite is caused by exposure of the body to grayish-blue splotchy color. The affected part(s)
temperatures below freezing (32°F). Several will have no feeling (numbness) and blisters may
factors can contribute to its development be present. The tissue will feel frozen or
including: "wooden". This indicates a very serious condition.
Other symptoms that indicate frostbite are
• length of time a person is exposed to
the cold swelling, itching, burning and deep pain as the
area is warmed.
• temperature outside
• force of the wind (wind chill factor)
• humidity in the air Can I Treat Frostbite Myself?
• wetness of clothing, shoes and body If you think you may have frostbite, even if it is a
coverings mild case, it is highly recommended that you
• ingestion of alcohol and other drugs consult a medical professional. The following list
• high altitudes will provide some guidelines to decrease the
chance that you suffer further injury:
Is It True That Frostbite Can DO LIST. . .
Occur In Just a Few Minutes? • Have your injury re-warmed under
If the conditions are cold with a high wind-chill medical supervision, if possible.
factor or if the temperature is bitterly cold, the • Get to a warm place where you can
brief exposure of uncovered body parts (for stay warm after thawing.
example, the ears) can actually result in frostbite • Rest the injured areas (avoid walking
in just minutes. on frostbitten feet, etc.).
• Use lukewarm water (100°F = 38°C,
should be warm to the touch - not hot)
for 30 to 45 minutes until a good color
This document was prepared by the staff of the UWSP University Health Service.
This information should not be used in lieu of medical care.
Last updated: Jan 2003.doc
(flush) has returned to the entire area. however, if down gets wet it is not an effectively
This process may be painful, especially warm fabric.
the final ten minutes. You may apply
warm towels or immerse the area. • Coverings for the head and neck are
important. Hats, hoods, scarves,
• If warm water is not available, cover
earmuffs and facemasks are good
the area with a warm hand or warm
protection.
object.
• Protect your feet and toes. Wear two
• Leave the blisters intact. Cover with a pairs of socks - wool is best, or cotton
sterile or clean covering if protection is socks with a pair of wool on top. Wear
needed to prevent rupturing. well-fitted boots that are high enough
• Keep the affected part(s) as clean as to cover the ankles.
possible to reduce the risk of infection. • Hand coverings are vital. Mittens are
• Elevate the area above the level of the warmer than gloves, but may limit
heart. what you can do with your fingers.
Wear lightweight gloves under mittens
• Offer a hot beverage such as coffee or so you'll still have protection if you
tea if the affected person is fully need to take off your mittens to use
awake. your fingers.
• Make sure your tetanus booster is • Be sure your clothing and boots are not
within 10 years. tight. A decrease in blood flow makes it
harder to keep the body parts warm
DO NOT LIST. . . and increases the risk of frostbite.
• Don't allow the injury to thaw then
refreeze. This is very dangerous and
can cause serious or permanent injury.
It is better to delay warming. For
example, keep walking to a permanent
shelter rather than warm frozen toes at
a temporary shelter and then expose
them to more cold on the rest of the
trip.
• Don't use dry heat (sunlamp, radiator,
heating pad, etc.) or hold the injured
area next to a fire to thaw it. Don't
thaw the injury in melted ice.
• Don't rub the area with snow.
• Don't use alcohol, nicotine or other
drugs that may affect blood flow.
How Can I Prevent Frostbite?
Proper clothing for winter weather insulates from
the cold, lets perspiration evaporate and
provides protection against wind, rain and snow. Summary
Wear several layers of light, loose clothing that
Frostbite can be a serious, disabling condition.
will trap air, yet provide adequate ventilation.
Use your head! Keep safety in mind when
This is better protection than one bulky or heavy
traveling in cold weather, during winter sports
covering. Best fabrics for the cold are wool,
participation and when outside during the frigid
polyester substitutes and water-repellent
winter months.
materials (not waterproof, which holds in
perspiration). Down coats and vests are warm;
This document was prepared by the staff of the UWSP University Health Service.
This information should not be used in lieu of medical care.
Last updated: Jan 2003.doc
