Winter Safety: Frostbite

SAFETY

Winter Safety: Frostbite

Frostbite is a medical emergency that occurs when skin is exposed to cold temperatures for too long. If you are out in the cold and notice any redness or pain in any area of skin, get out of the cold and protect exposed skin.

Why It’s Important for the ID/DD Population

People with intellectual or developmental disabilities may not notice or report symptoms of frostbite, such as numbness or pain, which makes it more difficult to recognize early signs. Resistance to wearing warm clothing, such as gloves, scarves, or boots, can increase the risk of frostbite in individuals who have trouble understanding or communicating the need to protect their skin from extreme cold. Additionally, medical conditions like neuropathy or peripheral vascular disease can impede or reduce sensitivity to cold and pain making frostbite harder to detect and increasing the risk of damage.

What to Do

If you detect symptoms of frostbite, seek medical care immediately by calling 911 or going to the local Emergency Department. If immediate medical care is not available, and there are no signs of hypothermia, follow the steps below and seek medical attention as soon as possible:

  • Seek shelter in a warm room as soon as possible.
  • Avoid worsening the injury by avoiding walking on frostbitten feet or toes, rubbing, or massaging the area.
  • Warm the frostbitten body part by placing it in warm (not hot) water, or using body heat (for example, the heat of an armpit can be used to warm frostbitten fingers). DO NOT use a heating pad, stove, fireplace, radiator, or heat lamp as the injured areas will be numb and at risk of burning.

Helpful to Know

  • Signs of frostbite include a white or grayish-yellow color to the skin, waxy or firm skin, and numbness. It often affects the extremities, such as fingers, toes, ears, and nose.
  • Never rub or massage frostbitten areas, as this can cause further tissue damage.
  • In severe cases, frostbitten tissue may need medical treatment, including possible removal of damaged skin or amputation in extreme cases.