Frostbite can happen when temperatures fall below 5F.
When combined with a low wind chill, frostbite can occur on exposed skin quickly.
For example, in 5F weather with a -16.6F windchill, frostbite can happen in 30 minutes.
Illustration by Julie Bang for Verywell Health
Illustration by Julie Bang for Verywell Health
Frostbite often looks similar to athermal burn.
White Frostbite on Fingertips
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.
Dan Darley
If you have frostbite, your skin may look white or grayish.
Dan Darley
The skin may also have a waxy feel.
Don’t have a go at 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.
Japeofapes
In the worst cases, frostbite can happen in just a few minutes.
Frostbitten Face
This photo shows a frostbite injury that was treated with snow.
Rubbing frostbite with snow was once a common way to treat this injury.
China Photos / Getty Images
Today, healthcare providers know that this can make the injury worse.
Never rub or massage frostbitten tissue.
Frostbite is best treated with warm water (not hot) or body heat.
Timothy J. Kosier
Toes are extremely vulnerable tofrostbite.
If you suspect frostbite on your toes or feet, avoid walking on them if possible.
Walking on frostbitten toes and feet can make the damage worse.
Winky/ flickr
Blister on Frostbitten Toe
This injury occurred because the person was wearing inadequate footwear in freezing temperatures.
If you’re going to be outdoors for a while, wear warm, dry clothing.
Severely Frostbitten Hands and Fingers
Winky/ flickr
Early frostbite can look like a burn.
Dan Darley
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.
Sandra Mu / Getty Images
Healthcare providers sometimes prescribe Ventavis (iloprost) for severe frostbite.
This medication improves blood flow and is best taken within 24 hours of exposure.
Frostbite After Two Weeks
After rewarming, frostbite may look worse.
Melanie Martinez
Minor injuries may blister and scab over and become discolored as they heal.
Even after healing, the frostbitten area can remain extremely sensitive to cold temperatures.
In these cases, feeling, movement, and blood flow are lost.
If the tissue isn’t surgically removed, gangrene can spread and develop into an infection.
The removal of the dead tissue is known asdebridement.
Amputation may be necessary if an entire body part needs to be removed.
However,using an icepackincorrectly can lead to frostbite.
It’s important not to put ice directly on the skin or leave it too long.
Remove the ice pack as soon as the injury starts to feel numb.
Frostnip:This condition is milder.
Symptoms include red, numb, and tingly skin.
While there are no blisters in first-degree frostbite, there is mild swelling.
Second-degree:All layers of the skin are frozen in second-degree frostbite.
The outer skin may feel stiff and frozen, and the individual may experience throbbing and aching pain.
Blisters form on the exposed skin within 24 hours, and red, swollen skin surrounds theblisters.
Third-degree:The skin feels harder with a third-degree frostbite than a second-degree frostbite.
The skin may appear dark and rubbery, and the pain is felt deeper into the affected area.
Treatment
Frostbite needs immediate treatment.
If you suspect that you or someone you’re with has frostbite, follow these guidelines.
Take care not to “shock” the skin with too much warmth as it may be numb.
As such:
After the skin has warmed, wrap the frostbitten area in clean bandages.
ensure 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.
Don’t give a shot to warm the area while you are still in a cold place.
Frostbite can be treated with warm water, but avoid using hot water or heating pads.
Do not rub or massage frostbite or rub snow into it.
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