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Frostbite is, literally, frozen body tissue — usually skin but sometimes deeper — and must be handled carefully to prevent permanent tissue damage.
Kids are at greater risk for frostbite than adults, both because they lose heat from their skin more rapidly than adults and because they may be reluctant to leave their winter fun to go inside and warm up.
You can help prevent frostbite in cold weather by dressing kids in layers, making sure they come indoors at regular intervals, and watching for frostnip, frostbite’s early warning signal.
Frostnip
Frostnip usually affects areas that are exposed to the cold, such as the cheeks, nose, ears, fingers, and toes, leaving them red and numb or tingly. Frostnip can be treated at home.
What to Do:
- Bring your child indoors immediately.
- Remove all wet clothing. Wet clothes draw heat from the body.
- Immerse chilled body parts in warm (not hot) water for 20 to 30 minutes until all sensation returns.
- Don’t let your child control the water temperature during rewarming. Numb hands won’t feel the heat and can be severely burned by water that is too hot.
- Call your doctor if sensation does not return or there are signs of frostbite.
Frostbite
Frostbite is characterized by white, waxy skin that feels numb and hard. It requires immediate emergency medical attention.
