WHAT IS FROSBITE ??

Frostbite : the sharp, painful sensations that result from the freezing and thawing of the skin. Whether exposure to cold will result in frostbite depends on many factors, including the temperature, the wind-chill factor, how long you’re exposed, and what you’re wearing. People’s tolerance to cold varies as well. How do you recognize frostbite? This skin pallor is accompanied by tingling. Burning and pain follow, and the skin becomes whitish or slightly yellow.

If the freezing continues, it affects the deeper tissues. The affected skin then becomes waxy white. If you develop frostbite, see your doctor at once. This “cold” treatment can actually kill the tissue. The best method to treat frostbite – the one that your doctor will probably recommend – is to restore the normal temperature of the skin by rapidly rewarming the frostbitten area. Immerse the affected part in a water bath at a temperature of 104º to 110º F (40º to 44º C). During the thawing process, blisters will develop.


Wearing adequate layers of clothing to trap air between them will help to maintain heat around your body and allows perspiration to evaporate, so lessens the risk of frostbite. Also, ensure that clothing is not too tight as it may decrease warming blood flow to frostbite-vulnerable areas. if using plastic boots, carry spare inners. With gloves, mittens are often warmer but allow less hand movement.

Alcohol triggers an internal rise in body temperature, causing the body’s temperature regulator to dilate blood vessels in order to cool it down. For obvious reasons, losing heat on a mountain is not advised. Conversely, tobacco constricts blood vessels, particularly the tiny capillaries which take blood to the body’s extremities, and so increases the risk of frostbite.

What are the symptoms of frostbite?
Always consult your child's physician for a diagnosis.

First-aid for frostbite:
Call your child's physician or take your child to the emergency room immediately. Frostbite can cause serious injury and needs immediate medical attention. Do not place the frostbitten skin in snow to "warm" it. Wrap warmed areas of the skin to prevent further damage.

Prevention of frostbite:
Dress your child warmly in layers. Bring your child indoors often to warm up and provide a warm snack, soup, or drink.