![]() ![]() Change out of wet clothes as soon as you can.Outer garments should be waterproof and windproof. Wear things like mittens or gloves, hats that cover your ears, scarves, sunglasses, or ski masks. Avoid spending extended periods of time in cold weather as well as coming into direct contact with metal surfaces or water while out in the cold. Others, such as superficial frostbite and deep frostbite, require prompt medical attention to avoid permanent damage.īe sure to follow the tips below to prevent frostbite: Some, such as frostnip, don’t cause permanent skin damage and can be treated with basic first aid. For example, a toe that’s been severely damaged by deep frostbite may need to be amputated.Īs with some cases of superficial frostbite, people that have had deep frostbite may have lasting problems that can include pain or numbness as well as increased sensitivity to cold in the frostbitten area.įrostbite happens when your skin and underlying tissues are damaged through exposure to cold.įrostbite has several stages. In some cases, a procedure or surgery may be required to remove the dead tissue. Your doctor may wait for several weeks after your frostbite injury in order to determine the full extent of the damage. This is due to tissue death in the affected area. This type of medication may help to improve blood flow to the injured area.įollowing rewarming, the area will appear black and feel hard. If you have deep frostbite, you may also receive a type of medication called a “clot-buster.” Very severe cases of frostbite can lead to development of blood clots. They’ll give you pain medication, wrap the area, and may provide IV fluids. Like the treatment for superficial frostbite, your doctor will rewarm the area. Blood-filled blisters may also develop in people with deep frostbite.ĭeep frostbite requires immediate medical attention. Muscles close to the affected area may not work properly. It may feel numb to sensations such as cold or pain. If you’re experiencing deep frostbite, the skin of the area may have a blue or splotchy look to it. However, some people may have permanent problems that can include pain or numbness in the frostbitten area. New skin will form under any blisters or scabs. Many people can recover fully from superficial frostbite. If any blisters appear infected, you’ll also be prescribed a course of antibiotics to treat the infection. If you have blisters, your doctor may drain them. You may also observe swelling and feel a burning or stinging sensation. Your skin may appear to be blue or purple. Intravenous (IV) fluids may also be given to keep you hydrated.įollowing rewarming, fluid-filled blisters may develop in the affected area. ![]() ![]() After rewarming, they’ll wrap the injured area in order to protect it. Your doctor will give you pain medication to help with the pain that occurs with rewarming. Rewarming should occur as soon as possible. The tissues below your skin are still intact, but prompt medical treatment is required to prevent further damage. This is a sign that damage to your skin tissue is beginning to occur. Your skin may also begin to feel warm at this stage and you may observe some swelling. As such, the affected area of your skin may have a hard or frozen feeling when you touch it. Ice crystals may begin to form in your skin. ![]()
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