First Aid >>Frostbite
Being outside in the wintertime is fantastic! But whether at work or
play, remember to take measures to protect yourself from frostbite. Frostbite
is the freezing of the skin and/or body tissue as a result of exposure
to cold temperatures. Your toes, fingers, nose, and ears are the parts
of your body most likely to be affected. The first step in combating frostbite
is prevention.
Tips for Preventing Frostbite:
- Wear proper clothing. Choose outer garments with fabrics that are
designed to protect you from cold and wet weather and the wind while
at the same time allow perspiration to evaporate. For middle layers,
wear several layers of loose fitting items that hold your body heat
while providing ventilation. For your base layer, wear breathable fabrics,
such as polypropylene, that will wick away moisture.
- Cover your head, neck, and face. Helmets, hats, gaiters, hoods, and
face masks can help protect your face and neck from the elements.
- Wear mittens or gloves. Mittens are recommended over gloves as your
hands are less constricted in mittens. Try to wear a lightweight liner
under your gloves or mittens that will protect your hands during those
times you take them off to perform a task, like adjusting your boots
or taking a picture.
- Make sure your boots and clothing are not too tight. When skiing or
boarding, unbuckle your boots on the lift if they feel tight.
- Keep your skin dry. Pack extra socks and shirts to change into at
lunch if the clothes against your skin become wet.
- Avoid alcohol and tobacco.
- Stay hydrated.
- Use the buddy system. Watch each other for early signs of frostbite
such as whitening of the skin.
Signs of Frostnip/Frostbite:
- Mild frostbite, also called frostnip, can be spotted by the whitening
of the skin, such as the development of white patches on the face or
hands. The skin may become numb and there may be loss of sensation.
As the skin warms, it may turn red and be painful and itch, but these
symptoms will eventually disappear.
- Frostbitten skin looks white or grayish yellow or grayish blue and
the skin feels waxy and firm. When the skin feels very cold and numb,
pain disappears, and blisters may form. In this case get medical assistance
immediately.
Treatment of Frostbite:
In all cases, it is highly recommended that you contact a medical professional.
The frostbitten area must be rewarmed. This should be done under medical
supervision.
Until you can reach medical assistance:
- Do not rub the area with snow or anything else.
- Do not use alcohol or nicotine.
- Go to a warm place where you can remain after thawing. Do not allow
your frostbite to thaw and refreeze.
- Use water 100 degrees (warm to the touch) until a good flush returns
to the frostbitten area.
- Leave blisters intact.
- Do not use heat lamps, hot water bottles or other warm materials.
- Do not let the frostbitten area be placed near a heater or radiator.
