Parish Nurse

From the Parish Nurse

Brrrrrrr…

Frostbite

Frostbite is damage to the skin and underlying tissues

caused by extreme cold. Although any body part can be

affected, areas frequently affected by frostbite include the

feet, hands, ears and nose. The skin of the affected area will

lack sensitively to touch, yet it may have an aching pain. As

the affected areas thaws, pain will become severe and skin

will become red. If frostbite is limited to the skin and

underlying tissues, recovery will usually be complete. If the

blood vessels under the affected area are involved, gangrene

can occur causing permanent damage and necessitate

further, more invasive treatment.

The following groups of people are more likely to develop

frostbite:

-Those taking Beta-blockers

-People diagnosed with peripheral vascular disease,

diabetes, peripheral neuropathy, or Reynaud’s disease.

-Smokers

Signs and symptoms include:

Feeling of pins and needles, followed by numbness

Skin will be hard to touch and pale with no feeling

In severe cases, skin may appear white and will feel numb

Getting to a warmer place is the first action in treatment of

frostbite. Remove any constrictive jewelry and wet clothing

and immediately seek medical help if you can. If you need to

intercede, immerse affected area in warm, NOT HOT, water

for 20 to 30 minutes or apply warm compresses. The

individual may experience severe burning, pain, swelling, and

color changes as re-warming takes place. Warming is

complete when skin is soft and sensation returns. Apply a

sterile dressing to affected areas being mindful to separate

fingers and toes with dressings and to limit movement of the

affected areas. In cases of severe frostbite, provide warm

fluids to replace the fluids lost.

DO NOT

Thaw out frostbitten areas if they cannot be kept thawed

Use direct heat to thaw areas

Rub or massage areas

Disturb blisters on frostbitten skin

Smoke or drink alcohol during recover as both affect blood

flow

If you have any questions or suggestions for topics that you

would like to see covered, leave your name and number at

the parish office for Susan to contact you, or you may e-mail

her at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Place “Parish Nurse” in subject area.

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/frostbite.html

Information compiled by: Susan Anello, RN BSN