
	Intro: Before you begin Step 1: Understand frostbite Step 2: Prevent frostbite Step 3: Treat frostbite

2torial #0743:
Learn2 Avoid Frostbite
(Continued)

Treat frostbite

If you do develop frostbite (as opposed to frostnip, which you can treat yourself), seek professional medical attention as soon as possible. Whereas frostnip responds well to immediate warming, frostbite needs to be treated carefully, or permanent damage to the tissue can result.

If you get superficial or severe frostbite and medical attention is unavailable, here's how to do an effective home treatment. This isn't meant to substitute proper medical attention; all cases of frostbite should be examined by a health care professional as soon as possible.

Remove and heat: Get the victim's entire body warm before proceeding. Remove all wet clothing and load on the clothes and blankets, leaving frostbitten areas accessible. A body can't start the healing process if it's far below normal body temperature.

Soak: Take a large container and fill it with warm water (104-108 degrees F/ 40-42 degrees C). If you don't have a thermometer handy, then dip your elbow in the water--if it's too hot for you're elbow, it's too hot for frostbite. Soak the area in warm water until the area flushes pink and becomes sensitive. Don't let the body part touch the side or bottom of the tub; the skin and tissue is in a very sensitive state, and shouldn't bear any unnecessary weight or pressure. (Note: the bath works best for limbs. For frostbite on facial skin, try a soft washcloth soaked in the same warm water and wrung out.)

Add water: You may need to add water to keep the bath warm--a frozen foot is like an ice cube sitting in the water. Remove the frostbitten body part and add warm water (which shouldn't be isn't hotter than an uninjured hand can comfortably endure). Stir the bath well before re-immersing the injured body part.

Dry and wrap: After the skin flushes pink, dry the area and wrap any injured fingers or toes in gauze, or wedge cotton balls in between the digits. That'll dry out the area and reduce the chances of infection.

Rehydrate: Drinking warm fluids will help sustain normal body temperature and will improve circulation as well.

Painkillers: Aspirin and ibuprofen, aside from reducing discomfort, can improve circulation, therefore supporting the healing process.
-end-

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