FROSTBITE

When exposed to very cold temperatures, skin and underlying tissues may freeze, resulting in frostbite. The areas most likely to be affected by frostbite are your hands, feet, nose and ears.

If your skin looks white or grayish-yellow, is very cold and has a hard or waxy feel, you may have frostbite. Your skin may also itch, burn or feel numb. Severe frostbite can cause blistering and hardening. As the area thaws, the flesh becomes red and painful.

If your fingers, ears or other areas get frostbite:

• Get out of the cold.
• Warm your hands by tucking them under your arms. If your nose, ears or face is frostbitten, warm the area by covering it with dry, gloved hands.
• Don't rub the affected area. Never rub snow on frostbitten skin.
• Don't walk on frostbitten feet or toes if possible.
• If there's any chance the affected areas will freeze again, don't thaw them out. If they're already thawed out, wrap them up so that they don't become frozen again.
• Get emergency medical help if numbness remains during warming. If you can't get help immediately, warm severely frostbitten hands or feet in warm — not hot — water. You can warm other frostbitten areas, such as your nose, cheeks or ears, by covering them with your warm hands or by applying warm cloths.