When you're outside enjoying winter activities, such as skiing, sledding or skating, remember to dress appropriately to protect yourself against frostbite.

Frostbite occurs when the body's survival mechanisms take over during extremely cold weather. The body moves to protect the vital inner organs, which it does by cutting back on circulation to your extremities, such as your fingers, toes, ears and nose. Your risk of frostbite also increases if you take certain medications for heart conditions or if you have circulatory problems, such as narrowing of the arteries.

The first sign of frostbite is usually a slightly painful, tingling sensation, which is often followed by numbness. Skin that's frostbitten may be pale in colour, cold and hard to the touch.

Here's some advice on how to deal with frostbite :

• As soon as possible, gradually warm the areas affected by frostbite. If you're outside, you can warm frostbitten hands by tucking them under your armpits. Use a dry, gloved hand to cover and warm frostbite on your face, nose or ears. Don't rub areas affected by frostbite and never rub snow on frostbitten skin.
• Get out of the cold as soon as you can. Once you're indoors, place frostbitten hands or feet in water slightly warmer than normal body temperature —37 to 40°Celsius. Never apply direct heat to an area that has been affected by frostbite.
• As your skin thaws, it should turn red and you should feel a tingling and burning sensation as the skin warms. This means that blood circulation is returning to the area. If the skin remains numb or you experience sustained pain while warming the skin, you should seek emergency medical care.

For more information about frostbite, visit HealthyOntario.com.

January 2004

© Queen's Printer for Ontario, 2003  |  Privacy Policy  |  Disclaimers  |   Last Modified :