Frostbite Treatments

Treatment

Rapid rewarming in a warm (100 to 110°F) water bath is the treatment of choice. Slow rewarming may cause more tissue damage.

If you are stranded with frostbite and unable to get medical help:

Try to get to a warm location. Wrap yourself in blankets.
Do not put snow or hot water on the injured area.
Do not rub affected areas.
Tuck your hands into your armpits to try to rewarm them.
If it's available, use warm water (at about 105°F [40°C]) to rewarm your frostbitten area.
Avoid refreezing the affected area. This can result in more severe injury.
Walking on frozen feet and toes can cause damage. It may be more important to find shelter.
Drink warm liquids.
Avoid alcohol and sedatives.
Cover the injured area with a clean cloth until you can get medical help.
Rewarming can be intensely painful. To relieve pain take:
- Aspirin
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
- Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)

If you're able to get medical assistance, treatment may include moving you to a warm place and wrapping you in blankets. The injured body part may be soaked in warm (not hot) water.

Other treatments may include:

Opening and emptying blisters.
Taking antibiotics.
Taking pain medication.
Keeping the injured body part elevated above your heart.
Getting a tetanus booster shot .
Receiving hyperbaric oxygen therapy . This is a special chamber under greater pressure than normal. It will help with blood flow and tissue repair.
Amputation of all or part of the affected body part. This may be necessary in severe frostbite cases.

If you are diagnosed with frostbite, follow your doctor's instructions .