DEAR DR.PAUL: What are the symptoms
of frostbite? How can we prevent and treat frostbite in children?
DR.PAUL ANSWERS: Frostbite means that
a part of a body has been frozen and this can be quite dangerous.
Exposure to cold temperature without adequate protection can result
in frostbite. Usually it is the face, nose, ears, fingers and
toes that get frostbitten. Frostbite can occur during any outdoor
activity including play, and especially fast moving sports such
as skating, skiing, snowboarding and tobogganing. Obviously the
colder and windier it is, the quicker an unprotected body part
or area will freeze.
What does frostbite look like? The skin around a frostbitten area
initially becomes red then pale(white) and very rarely bluish.
As the skin warms up there can be some blisters. It is the parent's
(or caretaker's) responsibility to ensure young children are protected
from the cold. After all, the kids are busy just enjoying the
winter fun. Here are some tips on how to prevent frostbite:
Children should be dressed warmly with properly fitting clothing.
Several thin layers will help keep children warm. Clothing includes
thermal long johns, turtlenecks, one or two shirts, pants, sweater,
coat, warm socks, boots, gloves or mittens, and of course, a hat
Do not let children stay out in the cold too long. Set reasonable
time limits on outdoor play. This of course will depend on how
cold it is
Call children inside periodically to warm up
When possible, avoid taking infants and young children outdoors
when it is colder than 40 degrees F( or 4 degrees C). Infants
lose body heat quickly.
Use your common sense: for example, if there is a cold or frostbite
warning issued, do not let your children go outdoors at all
Make sure children's clothing are dry. Change into dry clothing
immediately as wet clothing can make frostbite occur quicker
Keep these points in mind even for older children and teach them
how to prevent frostbite
The signs ands symptoms of frostbite include numbness or pain
in the fingers, toes, nose, cheeks or ears. Also, the skin may
be blistered, hard to the touch or seem shiny. Although prevention
is best, if ever there is the possibility of frostbite, take the
following steps:
Take the child indoors immediately
Call your doctor or health help line
Ask the child to move the affected body part to increase blood
supply to that area
Warm the white frozen part(s) against the body. Hold fingers to
the chest, for example
Soak the frozen part or area in warm water (not hot water)
Be gentle, as frozen tissue can be damaged easily. Do not rub
or break blisters and do not massage the frozen area or rub it
with snow or ice
Frostbite is usually painful. For associated pain, acetaminophen
may be needed according to age and weight
If the frostbitten area does not improve, remains white or turns
blue, seek medical attention
The information provided in this site is
designed to be an educational aid only. It is not intended to
replace the advice and care of your child's physician, nor is
it intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment. If
you suspect that your child has a medical condition, always
consult a physician.
