Avoid frostbite this winter

Now that winter weather has finally hit Chicagoland, it is important for residents to take extra precautions to avoid frostbite. It is important to check up on your loved ones, especially the elderly and young children. Don't forget about teens who are also highly susceptible.

“The best way to avoid frostbite is to dress appropriately,” said Dr. Donald Steiner, emergency department physician on staff at Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital. “We often see frostbite on the ears of high school students who don't want to wear hats in the cold.”

He said we lose 50 percent of our body heat through our head which leaves our ears and noses at the greatest risk.

Frostbite starts with numbness and tingling and as it sets in the area will lose sensation and become completely numb.

First degree frostbite appears red like sunburn. Second degree frostbite will result in blisters like a thermal burn. “When there are blisters it is important to seek medical attention immediately and get a tetanus booster if it has been more than five years since your last one,” said Dr. Steiner. Third and fourth degree frostbite can result in the loss of fingers and toes.

If you suspect you have frostbite, take action to warm the area as quickly as possible. Move to a warmer place and use warm water on the affected area. Keep the area warm and give it a chance to heal. In the meantime, it is common for there to be severe pain as the area warms up again and circulation is restored.

“Do not use snow, ice or cold water on frostbite even though it feels better,” said Dr. Steiner. “That just worsens the injury.”

Dr. Steiner said it also important to be aware of frostnip which is a mild form of frostbite.

“The area becomes white which is a warning sign that you will get frostbite if you don't get out of the cold immediately,” he said.