January 15, 2008
Frostnip or Frostbite
Frostnip is a relatively mild form of cold injury that goes away minutes or seconds after warming with no permanent damage. Frostbite is the term for damage to the skin and other tissues caused by freezing. Frostnip and Frostbite cases have steadily declined over the last several years due to better cold weather clothing and equipment.
Frostbite
How cold the skin or underlying tissues become does not determine permanent injury in frostbite, but how long they remain frozen. Temperature, windchill and moisture all affect how quickly exposed skin can become frozen. Wet skin or clothing on a windy day can lead to frostbite even if the temperature is not below freezing.
Frostbitten skin should never be covered with ice or snow and should never be rubbed or massaged.
There are two types of Frostbite-superficial, affecting the outermost portion of the skin (yellowish or white tint to the skin with numbness and pain), and deep, affecting deeper skin layers as well as outer skin (blistering and dark blood spots form).
Emergency medical help should always be sought if frostbite is suspected. Avoid thawing and refreezing. Wet tight clothing should be replaced with dry loose-fitting clothing if available. Since the extent of injuries cannot be determined at the onset of frostbite, medical protocols are the same for both types of frostbite.
Medical treatment begins with warming of the affected area for 15 to 30 minutes in water at a temperature of 104-108° F. Aloe Vera is then applied to the affected area and it is splinted, wrapped and elevated. Antibiotic ointments and a tetanus shot may be used to fight possible infections, and Ibuprofen given to fight inflammation
Frostnip
Frostnip, like frostbite, is associated with the formation of ice crystals in tissue, but there is no tissue destruction and ice crystals dissolve immediately when the skin is warmed. Frostnip typically affects earlobes, cheeks, nose, fingers, and toes.
Frostnipped skin typically turns pale and one experiences numbness or tingling in the affected area. Blowing warm air on fingers or placing them under the armpits will help. Other frostnipped areas can be covered with warm hands. Injured areas should never be rubbed
Emergency attention should be sought if skin and sensation does not return within minutes of reheating the affected area.
Both frostbite and frostnip can lead to serious complications if gone unnoticed or untreated. Proper winter gear and clothing can help in preventing either of these conditions from occurring. If you start to feel a numbing sensation or if you get inner layers of clothing wet, go inside to get warm and change into dry clothing.