Daily Survival Guide

How to Treat Frostbite
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1. Remove wet clothing and dress the area with warm, dry clothing.


2. Immerse frozen areas in warm water (100° to 105°F) or apply warm compresses for 10 to 30 minutes.
   If warm water is not available, wrap gently in warm blankets. Avoid direct heat, including fires, heating pads, and hot-water bottles. Never thaw the area if it is at risk of refreezing; this can cause severe tissue damage.


3. Do not rub frostbitten skin or rub snow on it.


4. Take a pain reliever during rewarming to lessen the pain.
   There may be blistering, and the skin may turn red, blue, or purple in color. When skin is pink and no longer numb, the area is thawed.


5. Apply sterile dressings to the affected areas.
   Try not to disturb any blisters, wrap rewarmed areas to prevent refreezing, and have the patient keep thawed areas as still as possible.