How To Treat And Prevent Frostbite

Dry Wet Or Sweaty Clothing

Wearing wet clothing in cold temperatures will further reduce the body temperature of someone who has frostbite. Removing the person from the cold is the necessary first step to reverse frostbite. If it is not possible to dry any wet or sweaty clothing, it must be taken off the individual in question. This must be done quite carefully to prevent damaging frostbitten skin. The clothing can be dried near a fire, in a dryer, with a hairdryer, or left to air dry. Warming the affected individual’s body part can be done by breathing on it, or by using another person’s body heat.

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Cover Your Head, Ears, Hands, And Feet

It is essential to cover your head, ears, hands, and feet when going out in cold conditions. These parts of the body are first to suffer from frostbite. Blood rushes away from your extremities to keep your core warm in freezing temperatures. It is important to wear hats, earmuffs, scarves, gloves, and insulated shoes when facing these conditions, as doing so ensures the body is sufficiently protected from the cold. Other areas sensitive to frostbite include the nose, cheeks, and lips. Wearing a hat can not only protect the ears from frostbite, but it can also reduce the chances of hypothermia. The majority of the body’s heat escapes through the head, and wearing a hat reduces this heat loss.

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