Treating Frostbite
by jmmillerBabies and toddlers are very susceptible to frostbite. So while we try our hardest to protect them from the elements you may, at some point, find yourself wondering how to treat frostbite.
Baby’s fingers, toes, cheeks, ears, and nose are most likely to be damaged by extremely cold weather. Frostbite causes the skin to become cold and a white to yellowish grey color. If you notice that your child has developed frostbite, it is crucial to begin treatment immediately to prevent further damage.
Get the baby to the hospital immediately. If this is not possible, take them into a warm room immediately. Do not set them beside a source of heat such as a stove, fireplace or open fire; this could actually cause the skin to burn and suffer further damage. Likewise, do not place the baby in hot water.
Begin a gentle re-warming process by holding the baby directly against your own skin. Your body temperature is enough to help their skin thaw. Frostbitten fingers and toes may be soaked in water that is just slightly warm to the touch, or a few degrees above body temperature.
Do not apply pressure to the frostbitten areas. As your child’s skin warms, they may develop blisters. Do not try to pop or drain these blisters; get medical help immediately.
Related:
December 18th, 2006 at 7:34 pm
On Tuesday, 12/9/06, I strained a muscle in my lower back (right above the waist) and put an ice pack on it to lessen the swelling. However, I kept
the ice pack on too long and by Thursday I have a dark blister in the
spot where I treat with the the ice pack.
How do I treat the blister.
Thank you!