Frostbite is a rare but serious injury that pops up if the bodys tissues are exposed to cold temperatures.
Frostbite can happen when you spend time outdoors when the temperature is below freezing.
It can also happen if you are exposed to strong wind.
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Frostbite most commonly occurs in the face and extremities.
Signs of frostbite include a loss of feeling and color in the skin.
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Frostbite Temperature: How Cold Until Symptoms Begin?
Frostbite can occur in very cold temperatures or if there are strong winds.
It is possible to develop frostbite at any temperature below freezing.
The colder the weather and the stronger the wind, the higher the risk of frostbite.
When spending time outdoors in the winter, check the windchill.
In a windchill of minus 25 degrees F, frostbite can develop within 15 minutes.
What Increases the Risk of Frostbite?
Certain people are at higher risk of developing frostbite than others.
It is even possible for ice crystals to form in the cells.
This leads to serious tissue damage and permanent changes.
These include numbness and skin changes.
At first, your skin may appear very red and feel painful.
You may also notice that part of your body feels frozen to the touch.
Over time, the skin may appear white or gray.
It may feel especially firm and waxy as well.
Superficial frostbite affects only the skin, and deep frostbite affects both the skin and the underlying tissues.
The goal is to safely warm your skin as fast as possible so you can prevent permanent tissue damage.
Do not rub or massage the area because this could cause more damage.
Because frostbitten skin is often numb, you may burn your skin without realizing it.
While you warm your skin in water, you may notice swelling and color changes.
The skin may feel quite painful during this time.
If you develop any blisters, do not attempt to pop them.
Frostbite Treatment Without Amputation
Contact your healthcare provider if you believe you’ve experienced frostbite.
Aurlumyn is an intravenous vasodilator that opens blood vessels and prevents blood from clotting.
Aurlumyn is the first medication approved to reduce the risk of finger or toe amputation.
Diagnosis
Your healthcare provider will likely diagnose frostbite with a physical exam and medical history.
Frostbite Treatment With Amputation
In rare cases, frostbite can become so severe that amputation is needed.
When frostbite causes severe injury to the tissue, it becomes nonviable and needs to be removed.
The first step is usually to rewarm the skin in warm water for about 15 minutes to one hour.
During this time, the skin usually turns red or purple and may feel painful.
Fortunately, it is preventable in many cases.
It can happen when spending time outdoors in the cold or windy weather.
Any time you are exposed to temperatures below freezing, you are at risk of frostbite.
Symptoms of frostbite include numbness, a change in color, and waxy skin.
Remove any wet clothes, and place your frostbitten skin in warm (not hot) water.
Severe frostbite may require medical treatment.
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