Frostbite, or frozen skin, affects thousands of people every year. When your skin freezes in either intense cold or inclement weather, it can cause permanent damage. Preventing frostbite isn’t rocket science, but it’s good to be informed.
The best way to prevent frostbite is to stay inside during particularly poor weather. Wet, windy, extremely cold, and stormy conditions all provide opportunities for frostbite, even if you’re properly equipped. If you do head out into the cold, even on a milder day, be sure to wear the proper layers and protect your skin. Here’s what you need to know about frostbite and how to avoid it.
What is Frostbite? What Causes it?
Frostbite refers to an injury that’s caused by freezing skin. The top and underlying tissues freeze in exceptionally cold conditions. Once the skin freezes, the tissues begin to die. Next, the lack of oxygen causes cells to deteriorate further. The result is permanent damage to your skin, sometimes completely losing the tissue entirely if it’s not caught and treated soon enough.
Frostbite is caused by the skin being exposed to sub-freezing temperatures. Cold, wet, windy weather often contributes to frostbite — making it happen quicker than simply cold temperatures. Typically exposed extremities such as toes and fingers are at risk, as are the tip of your nose, cheeks, chin, and ears.
Symptoms of Frostbite
One of the biggest reasons people get frostbite is that it’s hard to notice. When you’re outside in the cold, it’s normal to have some coldness in your extremities. However, prolonged exposure to the elements can take a normal level of chill and turn it into frostbite quite quickly.
The first signs of frostbite are called frostnip. Frostnip affects the epidermis, or the first layer of skin. If left untreated — meaning if you continue to expose your skin to cold conditions — you can develop frostbite. Frostnip is treatable at home, while frostbite will require professional medical attention.
The first sign of frostbite is irritated red skin. Often you’ll feel an intense cold feeling followed by numbness. Some people also report a burning sensation in the later stages of frostnip.
Frostbite penetrates to deeper layers of the skin affecting the dermis layer as well as the subcutaneous skin tissue. Extreme frostbite can even damage adjacent muscles and bones. After frostnip sets in, frostbite is the next step.
Symptoms of frostbite include:
- Skin that is paler than normal but, when you press on it, you may feel some resistance
- Pain, burning, aching, or tingling in the affected area
- Waxy looking skin with blisters that appear after 24 hours
- Deep frostbite will have hard skin with no resistance when pressed. Sometimes the skin will appear blackened or dead
- Aches that turn into a throbbing sensation after 2-3 days
- Swelling of the affected area
With frostbite, the skin tissue dies over time. Oftentimes it will be several days after exposure when the skin tissue decides to die. Most people seek medical care at this time, but it’s often too late. If you’ve been exposed to harsh conditions for a significant amount of time, and if you experienced extreme pain while gently rewarming the skin, you’ll want to check in with your healthcare provider.
How to Avoid Frostbite
The best way to avoid frostbite is to be diligent about checking the weather before you head outside. Before you set out for a winter hike, check local conditions. High winds, low temperatures, and stormy, wet conditions contribute to frostbite. Use pin-point weather tools, such as weather.gov to research the exact conditions where you plan to hike.
Sometimes the weather goes sour, even if the forecast is great. Be ready to turn around if it gets too cold, windy, or a storm moves in. There’s nothing wrong with playing it safe in the winter.
If you do venture out, be sure to pack all the appropriate layers. You want a way to cover your face, neck, feet, hands, ears, and eyes. While hiking, it’s common to get hot and wear fewer layers. This is totally fine, since you’ll want to avoid sweating too much as it can cause hypothermia. However, when you stop for a break, layer up as soon as you start to feel a chill. Always have heavy-duty winter layers in your hiking bag so you’re prepared if conditions change.
Whenever you head out, be sure to pack the following items:
- Heavy, water-proof gloves
- Glove liners
- Scarf or gaitor to protect your neck
- Thick socks (pack an extra pair in case the ones you wear get cold)
- Waterproof foot gators to keep snow out of your boots
- Waterproof hiking boots
- A thick, wooly beanie that covers your ears
- Snow goggles
- A fleece balaclava (optional)
- A puffy jacket with a hood
- Fleece mid-layer
- Waterproof outer layer
- Waterproof or soft-shell pants
- Handwarmers
Even if you don’t use everything you pack, you’ll be fully prepared for most weather conditions on your hike. You never know if conditions will change or if you accidentally get wet. These added layers enable you to get outside with confidence.
Lastly, don’t wear or bring any cotton layers. Cotton is a terrible insulator and, when wet, it can be dangerous to wear in winter. Hypothermia and subsequent frostbite are real possibilities while wearing cotton on a winter hike.
Instead opt for more winter-friendly materials. Think synthetic materials that work to wick moisture away. Fleece layers are great insulators that don’t have cotton. Another excellent choice is wool. Down insulation also works well, just be sure that you have a waterproof layer to throw over any down if it’s wet since wet down doesn’t insulate.
Treatment for Frostbite
If you believe you have frostnip while you’re outside hiking, it’s best to turn around. Unfortunately, you can’t easily treat frostbite while you’re on a hike. If you suspect your extremities are experiencing frostnip, cover up and head home.
Adding layers will help as you make your way back to safety. Be sure to change out of any damp clothing if you can. Packing extra layers, such as a spare pair of gloves will be helpful now. If you turn around when you feel the onset of frostnip, you’ll lessen your chances of having the nip turn into full-blown frostbite.
As you’re moving, keep the area elevated to prevent swelling. You’ll also want to avoid rubbing of skin if you can. Use dry sterile bandages to place between the affected areas. Rubbing can easily cause irritation and make the problem worse.
Check out this article for more information, How to Create a First Aid Kit.
Never try to re-warm the affected area while you’re hiking. If you thaw and re-freeze a frostbitten area of your skin, you’ll run the risk of serious injury. Never rub the area with snow or anything else, since rubbing will cause more tissue damage. This includes using things like hand warmers. Handwarmers should be used before the onset of frostbite and shouldn’t be used to treat the condition, since they can actually make things worse.
Seek Medical Attention
Head to the nearest medical facility right away. Avoid gently rewarming the area if you can, since this also can aid in tissue damage. It’s best in serious frostbite cases to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Keep in mind, there may be other issues, such as hypothermia that accompany frostbite.
For frostnip, once you get home, get a bath or sink full of warm water. Make sure the water isn’t hot, hot water can make frostbite much worse since the extreme temperature change can greatly damage the skin. Gently soak the affected area in warm water for some time. Keep in mind, this will be painful.
Conclusion
Getting frostbite or frostnip on a winter hike is always a risk. Be prepared by knowing the warning signs. Always check the weather and pack appropriately for the day. It never hurts to bring extra layers in case of unforeseen conditions or an accident. If you do find yourself getting too cold, turn around. Numbness and red skin are telltale signs that frostnip has set in. Avoid any additional damage by turning back, swapping out any wet clothing, and seeking medical attention.
Article and Photos by Meg Atteberry
Meg Atteberry wants to empower you to have the ultimate outdoor adventure. She loves to use her writing work to help people level up their outdoor skills. You can find her climbing, camping, and hiking across her home in Colorado and the American Southwest. When she’s not out exploring, she’s at home cooking up delicious meals from around the globe and curling up with a good Sci-Fi book. You can follow Meg’s adventures at Fox in the Forest.