Frostnip - Facts You Need to Know

Introduction:

Frostbite is a serious skin injury caused by increased exposure to cold temperatures, usually below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Frostnip is a less severe form of frostbite and is common. Kids are commonly affected during cold seasons and can be a victim of frostnip or frostbite. This is because they ignore the discomforts and stay outside to play for a long time. Due to the small size of the kid’s bodies, there is less blood circulating and less fat to insulate them, hence losing body heat quickly.

How Is Frostnip Caused?

Frostnip is caused due to the following reasons:

• Frostnip occurs when the skin is exposed to cold conditions because, during these conditions, the body restricts blood flow to the extremities to keep the body warm. The exposed areas of the body, such as the ears, nose, cheeks, fingers, and toes, are most affected.

• Frostnip can also occur if the clothes are not sufficiently warm or if they do not protect from wind, cold or wet weather. Not changing the socks frequently can cause the feet to be sweaty and wet feet tend to lose heat faster than dry feet, which increases the chance of freezing.

• Prolonged exposure to cold products such as ice packs can also cause the skin to freeze, and it is advised not to apply ice packs on the skin for more than 15 minutes. Ice or any other frozen materials must be kept in a towel or a cloth and then placed on the skin and not directly.

How Does Frostnip Differ From Frostbite?

Frostnip is the initial stage of frostbite and is not as dangerous as frostbite. The skin remains flexible in frostnip, and there is no irreversible tissue damage as long as it does not progress into frostbite. Frostbite progresses in three stages as follows:

• Frostnip: The skin may turn pale or red and become numb and extremely cold in response to the cold stimulus. The blood flow is restricted, and hence there is insufficient blood supply to the extremities.

• Superficial Or Mild Frostbite: This is the stage when frostbite begins to appear, and the red skin may turn pale or white with the formation of a few ice crystals within the skin. A person may experience warm skin, which signifies skin damage. The skin may turn purple or mottled, and fluid-filled blisters occupy the skin within 36 hours of warming.

• Severe Frostbite: Severe frostbite happens when the damage crosses the outer layers of the skin and dives into the deeper tissues. A person can experience pain, total numbness, and discomfort. The muscles around the area may not function, and usually, blood-filled blisters may be noticed one to two days after rewarming. The affected area turns black and becomes hard, leading to permanent tissue damage.

What Are the Symptoms of Frostnip?

Though the symptoms of frostnip may not be adverse as frostbite, identifying it early can prevent the progression to frostbite. The symptoms of frostnip are:

• Skin irritation.

• Stinging, prickling, or burning sensation.

• A deep cold feeling can escalate to numbness or tingling sensation.

• The skin turns red, white, or yellowish but remains soft and flexible.

• An intense burning sensation may be felt if the skiing begins to warm up.

• Fingers and toes may be more painful since these have more nerve endings.

How to Treat Frostnip?

Frostnip can be treated by warming the skin gradually. Other measures to treat frostnip are:

• Moving away from the cold environment and shifting to a warm one. If this is not possible, it is advised to shield the skin from further exposure as long as possible to prevent frostnip from progressing into frostbite.

• Once inside a warm environment, wear warm and dry clothing since wet clothes can absorb heat away from the body.

• The skin can be warmed back gently using warm water for 20 to 30 minutes and not applying heat directly such as using a heating pad. Treating the affected area with hot air or hot water can burn and thaw the area.

• Frost-nipped areas should not be rubbed because rubbing can bruise or damage the tissues. The pressure applied is less known since the area is numb.

• Consuming warm liquids such as tea, soup, or hot cocoa is advised.

• If kids are the victims, warm air should be blown by cupping the hands around the affected area. Since moisture from the breath can cool the skin, it is advisable to wrap the affected area in a thin layer of dry cloth to trap the moisture before blowing.

• If a frostnip occurs in the toes of a child, they should be carried as walking can be painful.

• It is suggested to move the fingers and toes while warming back. At this stage, it is normal for the skin to turn red and experience a tingling or burning sensation.

• Applying aloe vera gel to the affected area two to three times a day can reduce inflammation and pain.

• Over-the-counter medicines such as Ibuprofen may help to get rid of inflammation and pain. Aspirin may be preferred in case of severe injuries. Aspirin should be taken by adults and not children as it can cause Reye’s Syndrome (a rare, serious condition that causes brain and liver damage) as it worsens the damage to the mitochondria.

• A physician should be consulted in case of any blister formations, as antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent infections and to treat the wound.

How to Prevent Frostnip?

Adults can sense the signs of frostnip, but it can be difficult for children. Frostnip can be prevented in children in the following ways:

• The kids should be dressed in a lot of thin layers of clothing. The layer of cloth close to the skin should preferably be synthetic in material so that it can absorb water. The outermost layer, including the gloves, should be waterproof and windproof.

• It is ideal to dress in three layers. The first layer should be a material that keeps the individual dry, the second layer should be warm, like wool or fleece, and the outer layer should be windproof and waterproof.

• The ears should be covered with earmuffs or a warm hat made of wool. Mittens are preferable over gloves.

• The feet should be covered in shoes of appropriate size as small shoes can restrict blood flow.

• Adults must refrain from drinking alcohol before going out in cold climates, as alcohol consumption can cause increased loss of body heat.

• The face can be kept warm by covering them up in a scarf.

• The layers of the dress should not be tight as it can affect the blood flow and cause frostbite.

• The feet can be covered with a few layers of socks, and the boots should be waterproof.

• When the child gets wet while playing, they must be called indoors, and the dress should be changed immediately since wet clothes increase the risk of frostbite.

• If the child is adamant about playing outside, they must be asked to come indoors every half an hour to warm up, especially if the temperature is below 32 degrees Fahrenheit.

• Kids must be asked to come indoors and be given warm snacks, soup, or drinks often to keep them warm.

• Parents should be vigilant about the early signs of frostnip and teach their children to watch out for the same.

What Are the Signs of Frostnip Progressing to Frostbite?

The signs that frostnip is progressing to frostbite are that:

• Red skin turns white or pale.

• Skin becomes less soft and flexible.

• Increased pain.

• Loss of cold sensation and can feel slight warmth in the affected area.

Conclusion:

Frostnip is not dangerous unless it progresses to frostbite. Frostnip can be treated at home by following simple measures of rewarming. Signs of frostnip have to be observed closely to prevent its escalation into frostbite. A physician should be consulted if the sensation does not return to normal after treating frostnip. Children must be taught to watch out for the warning signs of frostnip as they are prone to get it back in the affected areas.