What is frost bite?
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Frostbite (congelatio in medical terminology) is the medical condition whereby damage is caused to skin and other tissues due to extreme cold. At or below 0° C (32° F), blood vessels close to the skin start to narrow (constrict). This helps to preserve core body temperature. In extreme cold or when the body is exposed to cold for long periods, this protective strategy can reduce blood flow in some areas of the body to dangerously low levels. The combination of cold temperature and poor blood flow can cause severe tissue injury by freezing the tissue. Frostbite is most likely to happen in body parts farthest from the heart, and those with a lot of surface area exposed to cold. The initial stages of frostbite are sometimes called "frostnip", some people can feel these, some not.
Hopefully the area can be rewarmed and be ok. However in most cases the extremity is amputated. The only other affects to the body would be from the cold too. If left untreated the frozen parts can cause issues.
When exposed to extreme cold your body will "shut down" blood flow to your extremities and skin in order to maintain the body's core temperature. With out the blood flow to keep it warm skin will freeze and become damaged, this is called frostbite. If you have frostbite you'll see a discoloration of skin, and usually feel pain or burning sensation. If untreated the vessels could die off and cause gangrene. If you are gangrous then whatever limb it is will be amputated.
To treat frostbite, move to a warm area and wrap the area in sterile dressings. Don't rub the area or anything like that though. It's important to seek medical attention to prevent the situation from deteriorating.
Frostbite is damage to an area of skin and underlying tissues by exposure to cold. Less severe forms without deep penetration and limited to very small areas are sometimes referred to as "frost nip". Frostbite may result in death of skin and underlying muscles and blood vessels. The tissues may develop serious infections and cause other problems as toxins from the dead tissues are circulated to the rest of the body. If more than just very tiny areas of skin remain discolored after a few minutes of being in a warm area, medical attention is called for.
What is frostbite?
In cold temperatures, skin that is not properly covered or protected can freeze quickly. The most common body parts to have frostbite are the cheeks, ears, nose, hands, and feet. Skin that is not covered in the cold will first become red and swollen and it will feel like it is stinging or burning. If skin remains exposed to the cold, it will feel like it is tingling and will look grey. If it freezes, the area will have no feeling and it will be shiny and white. Frostbite can happen in cold wind, rain, or snow. Once a part of the body has had frostbite, it is more likely to happen again.
What can parents do?
Prevent frostbite by dressing your child in several layers of warm clothes: a coat or snowsuit that will resist water and wind, mitts, boots that are not too small or tight, a warm hat and scarf.
Check the temperature and windchill factor and do not let your child stay outside too long in the cold. (Windchill factor means that the wind makes the temperature feel even colder outside.)
Do not send your children outside to play if the windchill is greater than -28oC (-15oF).
Give your child a warm snack or meal such as hot chocolate or soup to warm up when he or she comes inside.
How can parents treat frostbite?
If your child comes in from outside complaining of a sore body part:
* gently remove any clothing covering the area and
* slowly rewarm the area by gently covering the ears or nose with a hand and placing a frostbitten hand in the child's opposite armpit.
* Do not massage or rub snow on frostbitten skin; do not use heat or warm water to warm the skin.
* Call your doctor for treatment.
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