How to prevent and treat frostbite

Make sure you know the warning signs associated with extreme cold and what actions to take.

Here are tips, courtesy of the National Weather Service.

Frostbite occurs when your body decides it needs to protect the vital inner organs, by cutting circulation to your extremities. Without that blood circulating to your feet, hands, nose, etc., they’ll eventually free.

To avoid frostbite:

Stay inside during severe cold, especially if the windchill is -50 degrees F or below.

If you must go out, try to cover every last inch of your body: ears, nose, toes, fingers, etc.

Mittens work better than gloves to keep fingers from freezing.

Keep your skin dry.

Stay out of the wind.

Drink plenty of fluids since hydration increases blood volume.

Avoid caffeine (it constricts blood vessels), cigarettes (they shut off blood flow to your hands) and, even alcohol – it might make you feel toasty initially, but it then reduces shivering and shivering helps you stay warm.

Degrees of frostbite

• First degree: Ice crystals form on your skin.
• Second degree: Skin begins to feel warm even though it is not yet defrosted.
• Third degree: Skin turns red, pale or white.
• Fourth degree: Pain lasts for more than a few hours and skin may develop dark blue or black blisters. See a doctor immediately if these symptoms arise. Gangrene is a real threat.

Frostbite first aid

Get indoors as soon as possible.

Until you can:

• Don’t rub or massage cold body parts.
• Put your hands in your armpits.
• Hold onto another person or an animal.
• Drink warm liquids.
• Put on extra layers of clothes, blankets, etc.
• Remove rings, watches and other tight jewelry or related items.

Once you’re indoors:

• Don’t walk on a frostbitten foot. You could damage it further.
• Get in a warm – NOT hot – bath. Wrap your face and ears in a moist, warm – NOT hot – towel.
• Don’t get near a hot stove or heater. Don’t use a heating pad, hot water bottle or a hair dryer. You may burn yourself before feeling returns.
• If your skin turns blue or gray, is very swollen, blistered or feels hard and numb even under the surface, get to a hospital as soon as possible.

This story was originally published February 12, 2016 at 10:48 AM with the headline "How to prevent and treat frostbite."