(Northwoods, WI) Frostbite is an injury to the body that is caused by freezing. Frostbite causes a loss of feeling and color in affected areas. It most often affects the nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers, or toes. Frostbite can permanently damage the body, and severe cases can lead to amputation. The risk of frostbite is increased in people with reduced blood circulation and among people who are not dressed properly for extremely cold temperatures.

Recognizing Frostbite

"At the first signs of redness or pain in any skin area, get out of the cold or protect any exposed skin—frostbite may be beginning” says Dr. Mark Banas, Medical Director for Ministry Medical Group Emergency Medicine which is an outpatient department of Saint Mary’s Hospital. Any of the following signs may indicate frostbite:

· a white or grayish-yellow skin area

· skin that feels unusually firm or waxy

· numbness

“A victim is often unaware of frostbite until someone else points it out because the frozen tissues are numb.”

What to Do

“If you detect symptoms of frostbite, seek medical care. Because frostbite and hypothermia both result from exposure, first determine whether the victim also shows signs of hypothermia, as described previously,” continues Dr. Banas. “Hypothermia is a more serious medical condition and requires emergency medical assistance.”

If (1) there is frostbite but no sign of hypothermia and (2) immediate medical care is not available, proceed as follows:

· Get into a warm room as soon as possible.

· Unless absolutely necessary, do not walk on frostbitten feet or toes—this increases the damage.

· Warm the affected area using body heat. For example, the heat of an armpit can be used to warm frostbitten fingers.

· Do not rub the frostbitten area with snow or massage it at all. This can cause more damage.

· Don’t use a heating pad, heat lamp, or the heat of a stove, fireplace, or radiator for warming. Affected areas are numb and can be easily burned.

“These procedures are not substitutes for proper medical care. Hypothermia is a medical emergency and frostbite should be evaluated by a health care provider” says Dr. Banas. “It is a good idea to take a first aid and emergency resuscitation (CPR) course to prepare for cold-weather health problems. Knowing what to do is an important part of protecting your health and the health of others.”

Dr. Banas concludes, “Taking preventive action is your best defense against having to deal with extreme cold-weather conditions. By preparing your home and car in advance for winter emergencies, and by observing safety precautions during times of extremely cold weather, you can reduce the risk of weather-related health problems.” For more information or to schedule an appointment with a Ministry Medical Group provider call 715-361-4700.

Content source: National Center for Environmental Health (NCEH)/Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), Coordinating Center for Environmental Health and Injury Prevention (CCEHIP)