After last winter’s arctic blast, the Richard M. Fairbanks Burn Center at Eskenazi Health saw a sharp increase in the number of patients admitted for frostbite injuries. With extremely cold temperatures this week, frostbite is again a concern.
Frostbite injuries result in damage to skin and underlying tissues caused by extreme cold. Similar to burn injures, the damage to the skin can be very serious and can occur quickly. When wind chills dip into the negatives, frostbite can set in within minutes.
Shield skin by adding extra cover to more commonly affected areas, such as the nose, fingers, toes and ears, and dressing in warm layers with scarves, hats, gloves and boots. It is also good practice to wear a waterproof outer shell. Cold winds can also cause frostbite to set in more quickly.
Symptoms of frostbite include a tingling sensation, followed by numbness on the affected area. Skin where frostbite has set in will be hard, pale and cold and will have no feeling. In more severe frostbite cases, the skin will become white and numb and may also have blisters, and blackened or dead tissue may result. Frostbite can potentially cause damage to tendons, muscles, nerves and bone.
Doctors say that if you feel symptoms of frostbite coming on, do not rub or massage the affected area, as it may cause further damage to the skin. Move to a warm area, remove all wet clothing and apply dry, sterile dressings to the frostbitten skin. If the symptoms are severe and normal color and feeling do not return to the area, contact a health care professional immediately.
For more information about the unit or burn prevention, please call (317) 880-6900.
