Frostbite

Common Illnesses
Contagious Diseases
Lifelong Health Issues
Unavoidable Conditions

Diaper Rash

Frost Bite

Head Lice

Oral Thrush, Vaginal Yeast

Pink Eye/Conjunctivitis

Pinworms

Ringworm

Ticks

Why Kids Get Sick So Often
When To Call The Doctor
When To Send Your Child to Daycare
Safe Use of Antibiotics

Frostbite

Frostbite is, literally, frozen body tissue - usually skin - and must be handled carefully to prevent permanent damage. Children are at greater risk for frostbite than adults, both because they lose heat from their skin more rapidly than adults and because they may be reluctant to leave their winter fun to go inside and warm up. You can help prevent frostbite in cold weather by dressing your child in layers, making sure he comes indoors at regular intervals, and watching for frostnip, frostbite's early warning signal.

Frostnip usually affects the cheeks, nose, ears, fingers, and toes, leaving them white and numb. It can be treated at home.

What to Do:

Bring the child indoors immediately.

Remove all wet clothing. Wet clothes draw heat from the body.

Immerse chilled body parts in warm water (104-108 degrees F) until all sensation returns.

Don't let the child control the water temperature. Numb hands won't feel the heat and can be severely burned by water that is too hot.

Frostbite is characterized by white, waxy skin that feels numb and hard. It requires emergency medical attention.

What to Do:

Get the child into dry clothing, and then take him to a hospital emergency room. If feet are affected, carry him.

If you cannot get him to a hospital right away or must wait for an ambulance, give him a warm drink and begin first-aid treatment:

Immerse frozen areas in warm water (100-105 degrees F) or apply warm compresses for 30 minutes. If warm water is not available, wrap gently in warm blankets.

Do not use direct heat such as a fire or heating pad.

Do not thaw the area if it is at risk for refreezing, which may cause severe tissue damage.

Do not rub frostbitten skin or rub snow on it.

Rewarming will be accompanied by a burning sensation. Skin may blister and swell and may turn red, blue, or purple. When skin is pink and no longer numb, the area is thawed.

Apply sterile dressing to the area, placing it between fingers and toes if they are affected. Try not to disturb any blisters.

Wrap rewarmed areas to prevent refreezing, and have the child keep thawed areas as still as possible

COMMON CHILDHOOD ILLNESSES & INFECTIONS | YOUR CHILD'S DEVELOPMENT
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Missed A Program?
Healthworks on Videotape

If you missed seeing Healthworks on Prairie Public Television, you still have a chance to keep up to date with these important health issues. Order a videotape copy of any of these interesting and informative programs for only $24.95 per program. Order online or call 1-800-359-6900 to order your copies today.

© 2001 Prairie Public Broadcasting, Inc.

Common Illnesses Contagious Diseases Lifelong Health Issues Unavoidable Conditions Diaper Rash Frost Bite Head Lice Oral Thrush, Vaginal Yeast Pink Eye/Conjunctivitis Pinworms Ringworm Ticks Why Kids Get Sick So Often When To Call The Doctor When To Send Your Child to Daycare Safe Use of Antibiotics		Frostbite Frostbite is, literally, frozen body tissue - usually skin - and must be handled carefully to prevent permanent damage. Children are at greater risk for frostbite than adults, both because they lose heat from their skin more rapidly than adults and because they may be reluctant to leave their winter fun to go inside and warm up. You can help prevent frostbite in cold weather by dressing your child in layers, making sure he comes indoors at regular intervals, and watching for frostnip, frostbite's early warning signal. Frostnip usually affects the cheeks, nose, ears, fingers, and toes, leaving them white and numb. It can be treated at home. What to Do: Bring the child indoors immediately. Remove all wet clothing. Wet clothes draw heat from the body. Immerse chilled body parts in warm water (104-108 degrees F) until all sensation returns. Don't let the child control the water temperature. Numb hands won't feel the heat and can be severely burned by water that is too hot. Frostbite is characterized by white, waxy skin that feels numb and hard. It requires emergency medical attention. What to Do: Get the child into dry clothing, and then take him to a hospital emergency room. If feet are affected, carry him. If you cannot get him to a hospital right away or must wait for an ambulance, give him a warm drink and begin first-aid treatment: Immerse frozen areas in warm water (100-105 degrees F) or apply warm compresses for 30 minutes. If warm water is not available, wrap gently in warm blankets. Do not use direct heat such as a fire or heating pad. Do not thaw the area if it is at risk for refreezing, which may cause severe tissue damage. Do not rub frostbitten skin or rub snow on it. Rewarming will be accompanied by a burning sensation. Skin may blister and swell and may turn red, blue, or purple. When skin is pink and no longer numb, the area is thawed. Apply sterile dressing to the area, placing it between fingers and toes if they are affected. Try not to disturb any blisters. Wrap rewarmed areas to prevent refreezing, and have the child keep thawed areas as still as possible
		COMMON CHILDHOOD ILLNESSES & INFECTIONS \| YOUR CHILD'S DEVELOPMENT PARENTING CHALLENGES \| RESOURCES AND INFORMATION \| ABOUT THIS PROGRAM BACK TO PRAIRIE PUBLIC TELEVISION \| RETURN TO PRAIRIEPUBLIC.ORG HOME PAGE
		Missed A Program? Healthworks on Videotape If you missed seeing Healthworks on Prairie Public Television, you still have a chance to keep up to date with these important health issues. Order a videotape copy of any of these interesting and informative programs for only $24.95 per program. Order online or call 1-800-359-6900 to order your copies today.
		© 2001 Prairie Public Broadcasting, Inc.