Burn
Center - Frost Bite
What is Frostbite?
Frostbite occurs when the body is so cold that ice crystals form in the
space surrounding body cells. Damage to tissue occurs as the cells freeze.
The areas mainly affected by frostbite are hands, feet, ears, nose and
cheeks.
As with burns, frostbite severity is measured in
degrees.
First degree frostbite: Temporary tenderness and reddened skin. This
probably wouldn't result in permanent damage.
Second degree frostbite:
Blisters and some tissue and nerve
damage. This can result in permanent hypersensitivity to cold and increase the risk
of future frostbite.
Third degree frostbite: Tissue death, requiring skin grafting and
amputation.
Low temperature and wind velocity combined with moisture, increase
risk of frostbite.
Symptoms of frostbite
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Tingling and burning are early symptoms and a warning to get out of
the cold immediately. If this isn't possible, move around vigorously to
increase circulation.
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The next stage is numbness. By this time you probably have
frostbite.
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In the third stage skin may appear pale or white and cold to the
touch.
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In final stages swelling, bleeding, and blisters may form after the
skin thaws.
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A physician should examine all frostbite, regardless of severity, as
soon as possible, as prompt treatment increases chances for complete
recovery.
How to prevent frostbite
Keep your skin dry. Wet skin freezes more rapidly. Dress in layers
of light rather than bulky, heavy clothes. Three are three basic stages in
layering: an inner, moisture-management layer, an insulating middle layer
and a weatherproof outer layer.
First Layer-Moisture Management
-
Your next-to-skin layer should be material other than cotton. Silk,
wool and synthetic wicking fabrics such as Capilene®, Polartec®, PowerDry®
and CoolMax® work to transport perspiration from the skin.
Middle Layer-Insulation
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The insulating layers help you retain heat by trapping air next to
your body.
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Fibers such as wool, polyester fleece and down are all excellent
insulators. Wool sweaters and shirts offer reliable warmth and insulate when
wet, though they are bulkier than their synthetic cousins.
Your Outer Layer-Wind and Water Protection
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The shell layer protects you from wind, rain or snow. Properly
designed, it holds in your body heat while allowing water vapor to escape.
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Tightly woven fabrics, waterproof coatings or laminated, technical
membranes act as wind and water barriers.
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Waterproof/Breathable-These keep you comfortable in any weather and
just about any activity. Fabrics include Gore-Tex®, Marmot's MemBrain(tm)
and Mountain Hardwear's Conduit(tm) membrane laminates.
-
Waterproof/Non-Breathable-Typically made of a durable,
polyurethane-coated nylon, which is water and windproof; these economical
shells are ideal for light activity in heavy precipitation.
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Water Resistant/Breathable-These are breathable outer layers from
mild weather, light precipitation and high activity level. They're made of
tightly woven fabrics (such as mini ripstop nylon) that block the wind and
treated with a durable water-resistant outer finish to make water bead and
roll off.
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Down-filled garments are warm but useless when wet; synthetics
provide better insulation in adverse conditions.
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Wear a hat or at least earmuffs that cover your ears. The
body loses the greatest amount of heat through the scalp, and the skin and
underlying tissues of the ears are very thin, so ears are especially prone
to frostbite. Use a scarf or ski mask to protect your face.
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The moisture management layer applies to your feet as well, so avoid
cotton socks. Boots should be high enough to cover your ankles. Avoid boots
that are too tight; they decrease circulation.
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Protect your hands with mittens rather than gloves so fingers can
warm each other.
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Don't wear earrings outside in the cold. They increase frostbite
risk as metal conducts cold.
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Be prepared for winter travel in your car. Carry an emergency kit,
food, blankets, extra clothing, boots, matches, etc.
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Avoid contact with gasoline and metal, as it may be super-cooled.
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Avoid alcoholic beverages, which increase the rate at which the body
cools and can cloud judgment and the sense of touch.
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Avoid smoking, which decreases circulation.
First aid for frostbite
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Avoid rubbing the area, especially with snow, which will worsen the
injury.
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Don't walk on frostbitten feet or use a frostbitten area. If you
must walk, the feet will suffer less damage if left frozen and padded. If
feet are thawed, have someone carry you if possible.
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Avoid thawing an area if you are far from help or if there is a
chance of re-freezing, as this will cause more damage.
If you are in a permanent shelter and can thaw the frostbitten area:
-
Immerse area for 20-45 minutes in tepid (98 - 104 degree
F) water. Avoid using hot water, which may burn the area, causing more
damage. As the area thaws it will turn pink or bright red and sensation may
return.
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Do not put salves or creams on the frostbite.
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Protect the frostbite area from re-freezing with
towels and blankets and seek medical attention.
Miller-Dwan Burn Center provides complete treatment for all types of thermal
injury. If you have questions about frostbite or burn safety, prevention or
treatment call (218) 720-1215.
.
Medical Director:
Dean Weber, MD
Director:
Kathie Bloomstrand RN, MS Nurse
Manager:
Katherine Christiansen, RN, CCRN
Burn Outreach Coordinator/Educator:
Robert Shultz, RN 786-8063
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