What you need to know about frostbite

With the dangerous sub-zero temperatures and wind chills forecast for the next couple days, a Gundersen Health System spokesperson is reminding you that you risk frostbite if you are outdoors in the extreme cold.

"Frostbite happens when your body tissue essentially freezes after exposure to extreme cold," says Gundersen Trauma and Injury Prevention Coordinator Kim Lombard.

Typically, frostbite affects the hands, feet, nose or ears; though other parts of the body may also be affected. When your body is exposed to extreme cold, blood flow and heat delivered to the body tissues decrease and ice crystals form.

A person can suffer various degrees of frostbite:
--First degree: Irritates the skin
--Second degree: Blisters but leads to no major damage
--Third degree: Involves all layers of the skin and causes permanent tissue damage

The early stages of frostbite are painless. The skin feels numb and becomes flushed before turning white or grayish-yellowish and is cold to the touch. If frostbite is suspected:
--First, call for help
--Move the victim to a warm area to prevent heat loss
--Immerse the affected area in warm (not hot) water or warm the area using body heat.
--Give the victim warm, non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated fluids to drink
--Do not rub the affected area

Children tend to be at a greater risk for frostbite because they are less likely to come inside during freezing-cold weather and because their body heat escapes more easily. Parents should keep a close eye on their children if they're outside during the cold weather and keep in mind the following tips:
--If you notice fingers, cheeks, ears, lips, nose or toes that are turning white get your child inside immediately. If there is a waxy appearance to their skin, seek emergency care quickly.
--Remove wet clothes.
--Get your child into a warm bath until there's feeling again in the affected areas. Be sure to use warm water, not hot water.

It is important to get to a doctor as soon as possible if frostbite is suspected. A doctor must be able to see and feel the affected area. Someone with frostbite will need evaluation and possible treatment for hypothermia and dehydration.