When Jack Frost Nips Too Much - Tips to Treat Frostbite

Mayo Clinic
Monday, 8 December 2003

It's the season of sleds, skis and snow, and if you're not careful, frostbite.

Frostbite typically affects smaller, more-exposed areas of the body, such as hands, feet, nose, ears and face. The risk of frostbite increases if you take certain medications for heart conditions or have circulatory problems, such as narrowing of the arteries.

The first sign of frostbite is a slightly painful, tingling sensation. Often, it's followed by numbness. Frostbitten skin may be hard, pale and cold. The December issue of Mayo Clinic Health Letter offers these tips to treat frostbite:

• Gradually warm affected areas as soon as possible. If you're outside, warm frostbitten hands by tucking them in your armpits. Warm frostbite on your face, nose or ears by covering with a dry, gloved hand. Don't rub the affected areas, and never rub snow on frostbitten skin.
• Get out of the cold. Once inside, put frostbitten hands or feet in water slightly above normal body temperature (100 to 105 F). Don't use direct heat, such as a heating pad.
• Know what to expect as skin thaws. If the skin turns red and there's a tingling and burning sensation as it warms, circulation is returning. If numbness or sustained pain remains during warming, seek emergency medical care.

For more information, or to contact Mayo Clinic, see their website at: www.mayoclinic.org