Frostbite can occur if you have been exposed to extreme cold. The way to prevent this is to limit your exposure by wearing proper clothing and by keeping yourself dry and warm. Avoid cold wind as much as possible.

If in case you get a frost bite, you may do the following:

First, get out of the cold. If you are near a shelter, get inside. Keep the patient warm.

Rewarm the affected part. You can do this by using body heat or ambient room temperature. You may cover the skin by a dry cloth or blanket. If you can build a fire in the room, you may do this also. In case of emergency and you have neither a blanket or fire, you may apply body heat via skin contact with another person.

If you have access to warm water, you may submerge the frostbitten area in it until it appears red and if it feels warm. One hundred to one hundred five degrees F or 39 to 41 C is the recommended temperature. Dry the area with a soft cloth by dabbing gently. Do not rub. Place gauze pads and then bandage with a dry and sterile dressing.

Protect the area so that re-freezing won’t happen. Get the patient to a hospital as soon as possible.

Remember that if not treated properly, forstbite can be infected which can then lead to gangrene and amputation may be needed. Oooh, ouch!