|
Frostbite
&
Other Cold Injuries
How should frostbite and other cold injuries be treated?
It is important not to thaw the extremity if there is a risk of it re-freezing!! As was mentioned above, injury is caused when ice crystals form in the cells. For this reason, it is better to leave the part frozen until it will remain thawed when warmed. Re- freezing will only lead to more severe damage. If you are camping and unable to get indoors, leave the extremity frozen.
The best way to warm a frozen part or one that has a chilblain or trench foot (immersion injury) is to put it into a tub of hot water (104-108 degrees F (40-42 degrees C)). Make sure to test the temperature of the water with a thermometer or a hand that is not frozen!! It is important to avoid burning the injured area (which may lack feeling). There may be quite a bit of pain when the injured area is re- warmed. Acetaminophen (TYLENOL and others), aspirin (BAYER and others), naproxen (ALEVE and others) or ibuprofen (ADVIL and others) may be used to help the discomfort. If stronger pain control measures are required, contact your health care practitioner.
One common "folk remedy" is to rub the extremity with snow; this should be avoided. Any rubbing may aggravate the injury. The injured tissue can be fragile and must be handled gently. Warming over a fire or next to a heater should also be avoided. These methods have a high risk of burns and tend to dry out the injured tissue, thereby causing more damage.
When should I seek medical care?
Chilblains can usually be treated at home. However, if you have a true frostbite injury or any blistering of the injured part, it should be seen by a healthcare professional, such as a physician or physician's assistant. If there is any sign of infection (increasing redness, warmth, etc.), a healthcare professional's care should be sought. Lastly, if there is a lot of blistering and you are not up to date on your tetanus shot (within the last 10 years), you should receive a tetanus booster.
If you are unable to obtain medical care chilblains, try to leave the blisters intact. As long as they remain closed, it is unlikely that they will become infected. Once opened, make sure that the blisters drain freely and trim off any dead tissue with a sterile pair of scissors. Keep any open areas clean and covered. A first aid cream, such as BACITRACIN ointment, may be used. Seek medical care as soon as possible. Trench foot (immersion injury) and frostbite should be evaluated by a healthcare practitioner. These injuries can require long-term evaluation for complications and treatment.
Back to complete list
|
