Is it Frostnip or Frostbite?

Frostnip is most common and usually affects areas of the skin that are exposed to the cold, such as cheeks, nose, ears, fingers, and toes, leaving them numb, red, and tingly.  Frostnip can be treated at home.

. Bring your child indoors immediately.

. Remove all wet clothing to warm the skin.

. Immerse chilled body parts in warm (not hot) water or wrap in warm blanket or towels for 15-20 minutes, or until feeling returns.

. Do not let your child control the water temperature, as numb body parts can not feel the heat and may be badly burned.

. Call your pediatrician, or go to urgent care if sensation does not return or there are signs of frostbite.

Frostbite is characterized by white, waxy skin that feels numb and hard.  The tissue is actually frozen.  Immediate emergency medical attention is required for treatment of frostbite.

. Get your child into dry clothing and a warm environment.

. Call your pediatrician or go directly to urgent care, or a hospital emergency room.

. If you can not get to a hospital emergency room, call 911 or other emergency assistance.

. Do not rub frostbitten skin.

. Do not use direct heat such as fire or heating pad on frostbitten skin.

The best treatment is prevention. Educate your children and do not allow them to remain outside in
the cold for long periods of time.

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Winter Dangers for the Elderly.

The cold temperatures of winter are not only a concern for children, but also for the elderly population.  As people age, it becomes more difficult for their bodies to hold a constant temperature in the cold.  The elderly should take safeguards during the cold winter months to protect themselves from hypothermia, which is when the core body temperature dips to 95 degrees or less. 

. Do not remain outside for extended periods of time.

. Dress appropriately for the weather, covering all skin with clothing.

. If the heat goes off for an extended period of time, call a relative or friend and stay with them until the heat returns.

. If it is not possible to leave your unheated home, dress in light layers and wear socks and a hat.  Get up and move around often.  Have plenty of blankets available. 

. If your home becomes dangerously cold, call 911 for assistance.

Falls are another danger to the elderly in winter.   Some steps can be taken to help prevent falls, but it is always safer to only go outdoors in bad weather with the assistance of another person.

. Keep sidewalks and driveways free of ice and snow.

. Modify the tip of canes or purchase a quad cane or another type with a sturdy floor/ground grip.

. Wear warm boots with rubber soles for added traction, but not boots that are oversized or clumsy.

. Remove indoor or outdoor rugs that may cause tripping. 

. Improve lighting in high traffic areas, both inside and outside the home.

. Keep water wiped up from the floor, especially near outside doors.

If possible, the elderly should have someone to check on them on a daily basis during times of inclement winter weather.