Frostbite

You can get frostbite if your skin is exposed to temperatures of 0C (32F) or below.

The parts of the body most often affected are the fingers, toes, nose and ears.

At first, your skin may be:

• cold and firm
• numb, or you may feel a stinging or burning sensation
• painful, throb or ache
• red or pale (redness may be harder to see on black or brown skin)

Frostbite gets worse the colder it is and the longer you’re exposed to the cold.

If frostbite gets worse, symptoms can include:

• hard, frozen skin that can be white, blue or blotchy
• swelling and loss of feeling in the affected area
• blisters filled with blood or clear or milky fluid
• the skin turns black and hard as it starts to die (this may be harder to see on black or brown skin)

If you think you or someone you're with has frostbite, there are some things you can do while waiting for medical help.

• go indoors or somewhere sheltered as quickly as possible

• remove clothing and jewellery, such as gloves, rings and boots from the affected area

• wrap yourself in something warm like a blanket, sleeping bag or dry towel

• put your hands in your armpits (if your hands are affected)

• if you're with someone who has frostbite, place the affected body part in your lap and gently warm it with your hands

• place the affected body part in warm (not hot) water, dry it and put on a light dressing, such as a gauze bandage, if you have one

• raise the body part to reduce swelling

• take paracetamol to ease any pain – do not give aspirin to children under 16

• have a warm drink or water

• do not rub the affected area

• do not use things like a fire, radiator, hot water bottle or heat lamp to warm the affected area

• do not have a hot bath to warm yourself up

• do not drink alcohol

If the person is shivering a lot or struggling to stay awake, they may have hypothermia (very low body temperature).

Make sure they’re warm and keep them awake by talking to them until you can get medical help.

Frostbite is treated in hospital.

Treatments for frostbite include:

• warming the affected body part
• removing dead skin
• medicines to treat swelling and infection
• surgery if frostbite is severe

You may have follow-up appointments to check how your wounds are healing and to help with any lasting problems you might have (such as problems with movement).

Frostbite can cause serious problems, especially if it’s severe.

It can cause the skin and tissue to die (gangrene), which may mean the affected body part needs to be removed (amputated).

Some people have lasting problems after having frostbite, such as pain and stiffness in the affected areas.

You're also more likely to get frostbite again if the body part is exposed to cold temperatures.

To help avoid getting frostbite, it’s important to wear warm clothing if you're in very cold temperatures.

For example, you should wear:

• several loose layers of clothing with a waterproof outer layer
• a hat and scarf to protect your head, neck and face
• gloves or mittens to protect your hands and fingers
• thick socks and boots to protect your feet and toes

It’s also important to eat and drink regularly if you’re in cold conditions for long periods.

Early signs of frostbite include cold, painful and numb skin. As frostbite gets worse the skin will feel hard and frozen and may start to blister.

Go indoors or somewhere sheltered while waiting for medical help for frostbite. Put your hands on the affected area to warm it up, but do not rub it.

Treatment for frostbite includes warming the affected area, removing dead skin and medicines for swelling and infection. Surgery is sometimes needed.

Frostbite can cause serious problems, such as the affected skin and tissue dying (gangrene) and long-term pain or stiffness.

To help prevent frostbite in cold temperatures, wear several loose layers, a hat and scarf, gloves or mittens and thick socks and boots.