Treatment of Frostbite

Health encyclopaedia - Alphabetical Topic List

| A |

| B |

| C |

| D |

| E |

| F |

| G |

| H |

| I |

| J |

| K |

| L |

| M |

| N |

| O |

| P |

| Q |

| R |

| S |

| T |

| U |

| V |

| W |

| X |

| Y |

Ideally, re-warming should be performed under medical supervision.

If medical help is unavailable move fingers or toes if possible, but do not rub or massage the area. Keep the whole body as warm as possible and remove any wet clothing. If it is possible gradually re-warm the area affected using water that is warm / hot to the touch but not too hot (38C- 40C) for approximately half an hour. If warm water is not available, wrap gently in blankets, sleeping bag or use your body heat to warm the individual. Do not use direct heat such as electric or gas fires, or hot water bottles.

Warming the affected area can be extremely painful. After the area has been thawed the area should be used as little as possible. Wrap the area in clean bandages, separating fingers and toes. It is very important to keep the skin clean to avoid infection. After the area is warmed the skin will be discoloured and will blister, these blisters should not be broken, but covered with a sterile covering.

Frostbite requires medical attention. If the frostbite is superficial new pink skin will form under the discoloured skin. The area will usually have recovered within 6 months, but some people have permanent problems such as pain and numbness of the affected area.

If the area develops gangrene the area will go black. Damage is then permanent and the affected part will usually require amputation.