Learn what you should and should not do when treating frostbite symptoms. Know when to seek medical attention and find some home remedies for mild cases of frostbite.
Frostbite Symptoms
Frostbite results from prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures. In extreme temperatures, it can occur within minutes. Frostbite can affect any part of the body but the most vulnerable parts are the hands, feet, ears, and nose.
Mild frostbite symptoms include a "pins and needles" or prickly sensation, mild numbness, and throbbing or aching pain.
Severe frostbite symptoms include hard, white skin, complete numbness, blisters, and blackened skin (gangrene).
Treating Frostbite
If the frostbite is severe, wrap the affected area and seek medical attention immediately. Wrap fingers and toes individually to prevent rubbing.
For mild cases of frostbite (or for severe cases, if medical attention is not immediately available):
- move to a warm environment (people with frostbite on the feet, should avoid walking on the affected foot)
- remove wet clothes
- remove tight clothes or jewelry that can interfere with blood flow to the affected area
- rewarm the affected part
- drink warm fluids (no alcohol or caffeine - a cup of sage tea will help improve blood circulation)
- do not smoke (decreases blood flow).
To rewarm, you can either soak the affected part in warm water or you can repeatedly apply warm compresses to the affected area. The water should not be hot (the recommended temperature is 104 to 108 degrees fahrenheit).
Warming is complete when the skin becomes soft and sensation returns. As the skin thaws and blood flow is reestablished, the skin becomes red in color and can be extremely painful.
When treating frostbite:
- Do not thaw the skin if it can not be kept thawed. Refreezing can cause worse damage.
- Do not use dry heat, such as a heating pad, hair dryer, radiator, or campfire. This can burn already damaged tissue.
- Do not massage or rub the affected part. This can harm tissue.
Natural remedies for treating frostbite after rewarming, to help improve circulation and decrease pain, include:
- gently apply aloe vera
- gently dab on some warm olive oil
- gently dab on some witch hazel
- steep 10 tea bags in a gallon of hot water for 15 minutes and soak the affected part when the liquid is at room temperature (you can also apply as a compress).
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