$Unique_ID{BRK00376}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Frostnip and Frostbite}
$Subject{frost nip bite cold Skin Subcutaneous Tissue superficial damage
surface cells no tissue lost waxen Warm water body heat prevention Frostnip
Frostbite}
$Volume{L-20}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Frostnip and Frostbite


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QUESTION:  During a recent skiing vacation, one of the instructors kept
harping on the prevention of "frostnip".  We thought it was a cute term for
"frostbite" but after returning home began to wonder if it represented some
other problem.  Have you ever come across this term, or know what it refers
to?

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ANSWER:  A true frostbite, improperly treated or ignored, may take a large
chunk of tissue as its price.  A "frostnip" is a little bite, if you will, and
refers to a superficial or less damaging frostbite.  Frostnip only affects the
surface cells of the body, and with proper care no tissue is lost.  Though the
affected tissue may look white and waxen and feel cold, it is still soft and
springy to the touch.  The frozen part should be warmed promptly, but never
rubbed with snow, or even massaged vigorously, as this friction can break the
skin and open the path to infections.  Warm water or the body heat obtained
from an unaffected hand may be used to gradually return the tissue to normal.
Of course prevention is the best method of treating any cold injury, with
proper clothing as the first line of defense.  A bit of reading on this
subject before your next outing seems advisable.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.