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Frostbite happens when skin and, in some cases, other tissues freeze due to prolonged exposure to extremely cold temperatures. Having basic knowledge of frostbite first aid can help minimize lasting damage, so it’s essential to understand what to do if you're out in harsh cold weather.
Frostbite may occur before you even notice it
When exposed to cold, your fingers and toes often lose feeling, so you might not realize frostbite is setting in. Early stages of frostbite could present as itching or tingling sensations. After that, the damage becomes more evident visually. Watch for these color changes in order of increasing severity:
The skin may develop a pale yellow or white appearance (mild stage).
The skin becomes tough and shiny, often taking on a waxy look (intermediate stage).
The skin may darken and appear blue or gray (severe stage).
When to seek immediate medical attention
If frostbite is suspected, head to the emergency room without delay. This includes noticing any of the color changes mentioned above, as well as experiencing severe pain, bleeding, or blistering as the skin warms up.
If someone has been exposed to cold long enough to develop frostbite, they may also be suffering from hypothermia, a dangerous condition where the body’s core temperature drops. Hypothermia poses a greater threat than frostbite, according to the CDC, so addressing hypothermia should be prioritized. Severe frostbite could lead to amputation, while severe hypothermia can result in death. Symptoms of hypothermia include confusion, extreme fatigue, and slurred speech.
What to do while waiting for medical assistance
The first thing to do when treating frostbite is to carefully warm the affected area. Avoid rubbing the skin, as friction might warm the fingers or toes but could also cause additional damage.
If the skin is damp, remove any wet clothing like socks or gloves and dry the area thoroughly. If possible, move to a warmer environment or seek shelter if you're outdoors.
To warm the skin, use gentle heat like warm water or body heat—holding the affected fingers or toes against the person's body or another person's body can help.
When using water, aim for a temperature slightly above body temperature, about 105 to 110 degrees. (If you don’t have a thermometer, it should feel like a warm bath, not hot soup.) Water that's too hot can cause burns in addition to frostbite, which is a dangerous combination.
It’s essential to monitor the temperature carefully, as someone with frostbite may not be able to feel if the heat is too intense. Warm water is safer than sitting by a fire or using a space heater, but if you must use one, ensure someone who can feel the heat is there to monitor the temperature and prevent burns.
