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Frostbite: First Aid
By Matt Unangst, 04 Mar 16:18
Extremely cold temperatures can freeze your skin and other body tissues. This freezing is frostbite. The most common areas to suffer frostbite are the hands, feet, nose, and ears.
A frostbitten area is easily identifiable. The skin will be hard, pale, and cold, gradually becoming red and painful as the area thaws.
If you believe that you are suffering from frostbite, get out of the cold immediately. Tuck your hands under your arms to warm them if your hands are where you are frostbitten. Frostbite on the nose, ears, or face should be covered by dry, gloved hands. Do not rub the frostbitten area. Do not thaw out the frostbitten parts of your body if there is any chance of them later refreezing. This could cause further damage. Already thawed out areas should be wrapped up to prevent refreezing.
Seek professional medical care immediately if the area remains numb while you are warming it. If emergency medical care is not available, keep frostbitten hands or feet in warm, but not hot, water. To warm parts of your face, cover them with warm cloths or with your hands if your hands are warm.
Tags: first aid, frostbite