Freezing of the skin occurs only when temperatures are below 0 degrees. In this case, the skin is cold and white or bluish in color. The victim has no sensitivity and feels the part as if paralyzed. The least serious condition is frostbite. In this case the skin is white or pale and remains liftable in folds. For frostbite, it is necessary to warm the affected area and in this way it may appear only red and sensitive.
If the victim is in a desolate area, the quickest method to warm the frostbite-affected part of the body is water.
What to do?
- Place the frozen part in hot water 20 to 40 minutes, until the fabric becomes soft. Pain can be controlled with aspirin or ibuprofen. The affected part should not be rubbed, nor should the person be allowed to drink alcohol or smoke.
- Once the part affected by frostbite is thawed, it is necessary to treat the victim as a “stretcher case.” Avoid contact with clothing and blankets; place dry, sterile gauze between fingers and toes. Elevate the affected part to reduce pain, administer pain relief, and prevent re-freezing.
Source: Mediserve‘s Pocket Guide to First Aid.
