The procedure to remove dead tissue is called debridement. In the most serious cases of frostbite, an entire part of the body, such as the fingers or toes, may need to be removed amputated. A decision to perform debridement or amputation is usually delayed for several weeks, as often what appears to be dead tissue can heal and recover over time.
After having frostbite, some people are left with permanent problems, such as increased sensitivity to cold, numbness, stiffness and pain in the affected area. Unfortunately, not much can be done to treat sensitivity to cold, numbness or stiffness. A medicine called amitriptyline can sometimes be effective at controlling the pain associated with the long-term effects of frostbite. Page last reviewed: 24 August Next review due: 24 August First aid If medical assistance isn't available, the following steps can be taken to treat frostbite and hypothermia : move to a warmer place if possible — it's best to avoid walking on frostbitten feet and toes as it can cause further damage, but in emergency situations this may not always be possible gently remove gloves, boots, rings and any other items of clothing or jewellery around the affected area replace wet clothing with soft, dry clothing to stop further heat loss warm the body by wrapping it in blankets and protecting the frostbitten parts don't rub the affected area or apply direct heat such as from a fire or heater as this can cause further injury don't smoke if you have frostbite or allow someone else with frostbite to smoke because smoking can affect blood circulation Read more about treating hypothermia.
Rewarming the frostbitten areas The frostbitten areas need to be rewarmed. After rewarming After the frostbitten area has been thawed, it should be gently wrapped in clean bandages, with the fingers and toes separated. Severe frostbite If you have severe frostbite, you'll need to be admitted to a specialist unit where medical staff are experienced in treating these types of injuries.
Long-term effects of frostbite After having frostbite, some people are left with permanent problems, such as increased sensitivity to cold, numbness, stiffness and pain in the affected area.
Do not expose frostbitten skin to cold temperatures. Sunscreen and protective clothing can protect frostbitten skin from damage by the sun. Do not rub or massage the injured area. Do not disturb blisters or other sores. Apply aloe vera to your skin as directed by your doctor. Do not smoke. Smoking can interfere with healing. If you need help quitting, talk to your doctor about stop-smoking programs and medicines. These can increase your chances of quitting for good.
Avoid alcohol. It can slow recovery. Call your doctor or nurse call line now or seek immediate medical care if: Any injured body part is cool or pale or changes colour. Your pain gets worse. You have signs of infection, such as: Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness.
Red streaks leading from the wound. The tissue turns black and hard as it dies. Frostnip, a mild form of frostbite, irritates the skin, causing redness and a cold feeling followed by numbness. Frostnip doesn't permanently damage the skin. Frostbite is most common on the fingers, toes, nose, ears, cheeks and chin. Because of skin numbness, you may not realize you have frostbite until someone points it out. Changes in the color of the affected area might be difficult to see on brown or Black skin.
Also get emergency medical help if you suspect hypothermia, a condition in which the body loses heat faster than it can be produced. Signs and symptoms of hypothermia include:.
While you wait for emergency medical help or a doctor's appointment, take appropriate self-care measures, such as:. Frostbite occurs when skin and underlying tissues freeze. The most common cause of frostbite is exposure to cold-weather conditions. But it can also be caused by direct contact with ice, freezing metals or very cold liquids. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission.
This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Frostbite and dry skin Open pop-up dialog box Close. Frostbite and dry skin Frostbite can cause cracked, dry, peeling skin as it heals. As your skin begins to warm up, you may feel some pain or tingling.
You can take an over-the-counter pain medication such as ibuprofen to ease any discomfort. During this stage of frostbite, your skin will begin to turn from a reddish color to a paler color. In some cases, it may appear blue. Ice crystals may begin to form in your skin. As such, the affected area of your skin may have a hard or frozen feeling when you touch it.
Your skin may also begin to feel warm at this stage and you may observe some swelling. This is a sign that damage to your skin tissue is beginning to occur. The tissues below your skin are still intact, but prompt medical treatment is required to prevent further damage. Rewarming should occur as soon as possible. Your doctor will give you pain medication to help with the pain that occurs with rewarming. Intravenous IV fluids may also be given to keep you hydrated.
Following rewarming, fluid-filled blisters may develop in the affected area. Your skin may appear to be blue or purple. You may also observe swelling and feel a burning or stinging sensation.
If you have blisters, your doctor may drain them. Many people can recover fully from superficial frostbite. New skin will form under any blisters or scabs. However, some people may have permanent problems that can include pain or numbness in the frostbitten area. Deep frostbite is the most severe stage of frostbite and affects both your skin and the tissues that lie below.
It may feel numb to sensations such as cold or pain.
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