Immediate Action Prevent Serious Injury
Taking immediate action is important to prevent long-term damage. Milder cases, also known as “frostnip,” can be treated completely at home. As soon as you notice an area on your child that is tingling, red, and cold, take them to a warm and protected area. Remove any wet or cold clothing immediately. Apply warm – never hot – water to the area with a compress.
If you do not have access to warm water, consider using a heater to warm the area. You can also put the affected part between your own hands, in your armpit, or in another warm place. Do not rub the area with your hands or fabric. Although this may warm the area more quickly, the friction will cause even more damage to tissues and could contribute to blistering.
Even mild cases of frostnip can be very painful as they thaw. A single dose of ibuprofen or acetaminophen should resolve this.
If you have been warming the affected skin for several minutes and it remains white and/or firm, it is time to get medical help. Go to your local emergency department to have the area checked.
Many people are tempted to use hot water or other items to warm frostbitten areas. This can cause a great deal of damage. It is important for the area to warm over several minutes so blood flow can be restored gradually. Radiators, heating pads, and hot water all can damage skin before it has adequate blood supply. They also can cause burns that will complicate healing.
