Frostbite happens fast so bundle up to stay warm

NEWS RELEASE
UCHEALTH
*************************

Bitterly cold temperatures, like those we’re experiencing across much of the state today, can lead to dangerous conditions like frostbite. Symptoms of frostbite include redness or pain in the affected area, white or grayish-yellow skin, skin that feels abnormally firm or waxy, numbness, blisters or black skin in severe cases.

UCHealth’s Burn and Frostbite Center offers the following tips if someone suspects frostbite due to cold exposure:

• Prevent additional exposure to the cold.
• Rewarm the affected area in warm (not hot) water for 15 – 30 minutes.
• Keep the affected area elevated to reduce swelling.
• Use over-the counter pain medication like ibuprofen if the affected area is painful upon warming.
• Try to avoid walking on frostbitten feet.

If the skin appears blue, bluish-gray or blisters form when the skin warms, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible to prevent further tissue damage.

Frostbite can happen fast.  It only takes 30 minutes for frostbite to set in when the temperature is 5 degrees and the wind speed is 30 mph. At -5 degrees and a wind speed of 30 mph, frostbite will happen in 10 minutes.

Possible long-term effects include change in sensation of the injured area, including cold sensitivity, muscle weakness or joint stiffness; chronic pain, secondary to nerve damage; damage to sweat glands, cracking skin and nail loss; and possible need for amputation of the damaged digits or limb.

For more information on frostbite and other cold weather conditions, go to our website - https://www.uchealth.org/diseases-conditions/frostbite/

*************************