Frostbite

Freezing of skin and underlying tissue, extremities most affected

Step by Step

Move the person to a warm place and seek medical care. Remove wet clothing and any jewelry from the affected area. Do not rewarm if there is a risk of the area refreezing, since refreezing causes worse damage. Where rewarming is appropriate, warm water around 37 to 39 Celsius is used, never direct heat such as fires or heaters. Do NOT rub or massage the area, and avoid walking on frostbitten feet. Leave blisters intact and cover loosely with clean dressings, separating affected fingers and toes. Call emergency services if hypothermia may also be present or the skin turns white, gray, blue, or black.