Identifying Frostnip from Frostbite

MADISON, Wis. (CIVICMEDIA) – Dangerously cold temperatures hit, “cover all exposed skin” is a common thing to hear but do you know what to look for?

Frostbite can happen in as little as 5 to 30 minutes when arctic blasts strike. Areas of your body at highest risk include your hands, fingers, toes, face, nose and ears.

Frostbite symptoms appear in three stages.

First, you’ll get frostnip. Feeling cold, sore and the skin turning lighter, purple or red. Warm it up slowly, using warm water, never hot! Also, never rub it warm, that can damage the skin cells.

The next stage is surface frostbite. Where the area will feel like pins and needles. It may also feel warm and start to sting and swell up. Visually you may also see patches of purple and blue, like a bruise. Which may turn into fluid filled blisters the next day. Medical treatment is needed for this stage. Because your skin is made up of 60% water. The water in your skin is actually slowly freezing into ice crystals.

Numbness indicates a deep frostbite, which may lead to permanent, irreversible tissue damage. This is when the lower layers of the skin freeze up, making it hard to move. Your skin will likely turn black as the skin cells die after being frozen.

A way to prevent frostbite is to limit your time outdoors and warm up your body often if you’re exposed to freezing temperatures. Use hand warmers and always cover exposed skin.

If you believe that you have frostbite, go inside or seek shelter from the cold. Then, call your healthcare provider or visit the emergency room immediately to reduce your risk of tissue damage.