Symptoms:
- Slightly painful or tingling sensation usually in hands, feet, nose, or ears
- Pale, hardened, cold and numb areas
- Frostbitten areas will turn red and throb or burn with pain as they thaw
Home Care/Self Treatment:
- DO NOT use direct heat to rewarm areas
- Avoid wind and cold
- Remove wet clothing
- Protect frozen area from exposure
- Carefully and gradually rewarm areas-soak affected area in warm water or apply warm compress for 20 minute intervals over 60-90 minutes (up to 4 times may be needed before skin will thaw and temperature will return to normal)
- Apply firm pressure to area but do not rub or massage frozen skin
- Keep frostbitten area warm, elevated and protected
- Do not smoke cigarettes
Seek Medical Attention if:
- Having symptoms of hypothermia- confusion, drowsiness, rigid muscles or irrational behavior
- Hard, cold, white or blue blotchy skin
- Blistering or peeling skin
- Signs of infection- increased redness, swelling, drainage, warmth or fever