Frostbite how long

Frostbite is damage to skin and tissue caused by exposure to freezing temperatures — typically any temperature below Frostbite can affect any part of your body, but the extremities, such as the hands, feet, ears, nose and lips, are most likely to be affected. The symptoms of frostbite usually begin with the affected parts feeling cold and painful. If exposure to the cold continues, you may feel pins and needles before the area becomes numb as the tissues freeze. A doctor will examine the affected area, check your vital signs, and ask how you got frostbite.

You may need a follow-up appointment or referral to a specialist, as the full extent of a frostbite injury often isn't apparent until a few days later. A person with frostbite should be taken to a warm environment as soon as possible. This is to limit the effects of the injury and because it's also likely they'll have hypothermia. Don't put pressure on the affected area. The frostbitten area should be warmed up by a healthcare professional.

This is usually done by immersing the affected area in warm — but not hot — water. A bath of water at 37C to 39C The rewarming process is often painful, and regular strong painkillers may be needed. It's important not to rewarm the affected area if there's a chance of it freezing again, as this can lead to further tissue damage.

If frostbite is severe, the loss of blood supply to the tissue may cause it to die gangrene. A type of surgery called debridement may be needed to remove the dead tissue.

Amputation may be needed if frostbite is severe. Read more about treating frostbite. The body responds to cold temperatures by narrowing the blood vessels. Blood flow to the extremities slows down so flow to the vital organs can be increased.

As the blood is redirected away from the extremities, these parts of the body get colder, and fluid in the tissue can freeze into ice crystals. It might be painful as your skin warms, Dr. Meldon notes. If the pain is extreme, go to the emergency room for medical evaluation.

Frostbite can develop sooner than you may think. All it takes is 10 minutes in F. And it takes even less time to develop the early stage of frostbite, called frostnip. Learn more about vaccine availability. Advertising Policy.

You have successfully subscribed to our newsletter. Related Articles. Trending Topics. In severe cases of frostbite, blisters can develop after re-warming the skin and affected areas. In addition, your muscles and joints may stop working, and your skin can become dark purple or black. Every winter, our Regions Hospital Burn Center sees up to 60 patients come in with frostbite injuries.

Getting stranded in the cold in a stalled or wrecked vehicle tends to be a common situation. With that said, do your best to limit trips outdoors when the temperature is below zero. But if you do have to leave, remember to be prepared by expecting the unexpected.