Frostbite Frostbite; frozen body tissue, usually fingers, toes or skin and must be handled very carefully to prevent permanent damage. Children are at greater risk for frostbite than adults, both because they lose heat from their skin more rapidly than adults and because they don't want to leave their winter games to go inside and warm up. You can prevent frostbite by: * Dressing your children in layers. * Make sure they come indoors at regular intervals to warm up. * Looking out for frost nip, frostbite's early warning signal. * Keeping an eye on the weather conditions. Frost nip Frosting usually affects the fingers, toes, nose cheeks and ears, leaving them white and numb. Frost nip can be treated at home. What to do: * Bring the patient indoors immediately. * Remove wet clothing. (wet clothes draw heat from the body.) * Immerse affected body parts in warm water 37-40C (100-105 degrees F) until all sensation returns to the patient. * Don't allow the patient control the water temperature. Cold and numb hands can't feel heat and can be severely burned by water that is too hot. Frostbite Frostbite is characterized by white, waxy skin that feels numb and hard. It requires emergency medical attention, call your Doctor or call an Ambulance. What to do: * Remove wet clothing from the patient, get them into warm dry clothes, then take them to a hospital casualty department. You'll need to carry them if their feet are affected.. * While waiting for an ambulance, give the patient a warm drink and begin first-aid treatment. * Immerse frozen areas in warm water 37-40C (100-105 degrees F) or apply warm compresses for 20-30 minutes. If warm water is not available, wrap gently in warm blankets. * Don't use direct heat such as a electric or gas fires, heating pads or hot water bottles. * Don't thaw the area if it is at risk of refreezing, this can cause severe tissue damage. * Don't rub frost bitten skin or rub snow on it. * Rewarming will be accompanied by a burning sensation. There maybe skin blistering and soft tissue swelling and may turn red, blue, or purple in color. When skin is pink and no longer numb, the area is thawed. * Apply sterile dressings to the affected areas, place the dressing between fingers or toes if they have been affected. Try not to disturb any blisters, rap rewarmed areas to prevent refreezing, and have the patient keep thawed areas as still as possible. ------------------ These files may be accessed through the web at http://firstaid.ie.eu.org/ I would like to thank the IEASR for allowing me to convert their pages over to the Pilot. Gordon Thomas #admin@dogpatch.org (Remove the # character in order to e-mail.) http://www.dogpatch.org ------------------ DISCLAIMER: Information in these files is presented in order to impart general information relating to first aid of various injuries and conditions. Such information is not complete and should not be used as a substitute for a consultation or visit with your physician or other health care provider, or as a substiture for actual training in first aid and/or CPR. While all reasonable care has been taken in compiling this information, Mary Jo Sminkey and Irish Emergency Ambulance Services Resource (IEASR) make no warranty as to the information's completeness, reliability or accuracy. Access to and use of the information contained herein is entirely at the risk of the user, Mary Jo Sminkey and IEASR shall not be liable, directly or indirectly to the user or any third party for any damage resulting from the use of the information contained or implied in the Pilot First Aid files.