Frostbite is the picture that occurs when the body temperature drops below 35 degrees Celsius. As a result of exposure to extreme cold, clotting problems begin in parts of the body that cannot get enough blood. In the absence of timely and appropriate intervention, loss of limbs and then other organs may occur, starting from the extreme points. The most affected body organs are the nose, ears, hands and feet.

Frostbite is the picture that occurs when the body temperature drops below 35 degrees Celsius. As a result of exposure to extreme cold, clotting problems begin in parts of the body that cannot get enough blood. In the absence of timely and appropriate intervention, loss of limbs and then other organs may occur, starting from the extreme points. The most affected body organs are the nose, ears, hands and feet.

Freezing Types:

  • First Degree Freezing (Cold Leak): It is the lightest form of freezing. There may be pain, itching, prickling sensation on the skin, red, white or yellow colored skin, numbness and weakness in the frozen area. When the exposure to cold improves, loss of sensation and peeling may occur on the skin. Does not leave permanent damage. It can be easily fixed with simple measures.
  • Second Degree Freezing (Surface Freezing): It is seen in those who are exposed to cold for a longer time or in those who do not receive adequate intervention in first degree frostbite cases. In addition to the symptoms of first degree frostbite in the affected area, skin tension, edema, water-filled blisters (bulla) occur. The bullae may appear 1-3 days after cold exposure and turn black over time. It is painful. With proper treatment, the skin renews itself and corrects black areas.
  • Third Degree Freezing (Deep Freezing): It is seen in cases where cold exposure is prolonged or second degree frostbite is not adequately intervened. In addition to the symptoms of second-degree frostbite, there are areas of black skin that are clearly separated from healthy skin. Nerve endings, blood vessels are affected by cold. The bullae take on a bloody appearance. Coagulation progresses rapidly. Gangrene can often be stopped by amputation. The risk of infection is high.

Groups at risk for frostbite:

  • Children,
  • Seniors,
  • People with weakened immune system
  • Tired, hungry, sleepless people,
  • Alcoholics,
  • Underweight people.

First aid for frostbite:

  • The contact of the patient/injured with the cold environment is cut off, taken to a warm area,
  • The patient/injured is sedated,
  • Movement of the patient/injured is prevented,
  • Wet clothes are taken off, dry clothes are put on,
  • If he can take food by mouth, drink hot drink,
  • Bubbles that collect water are not burst, they are covered with a clean cloth,
  • The frozen area is not rubbed, it is self-heated,
  • It is protected in case of freezing, fisted hands are not tried to be opened,
  • Hands and feet are raised
  • Urgent medical assistance is requested,
  • To warm the frozen person, they can be wrapped in a blanket and kept in a 230C room (passive heating). In this way, the person is provided with self-heating. In addition, if possible, it can be heated (active heating) in a bathtub filled with hot water (40-45 0C).

Protection from freezing:

  • Wear clothes that will keep your hands, feet, nose and head warm in cold weather,
  • Do not go to unfamiliar, high, distant places alone in cold, snowy weather,
  • Pay attention to the warning signs in your environment during winter days, obey the warnings (chaining, avalanche danger, etc.),
  • In snowy weather, take spare clothes with you,
  • Consume high-calorie foods such as honey and molasses on winter days,
  • Do not travel alone in snowy areas as your risk of sleep will increase while you are drunk,
  • If you are exposed to the cold, do not stand still, move, move your hands and feet,
  • Do not wear tight clothes and shoes that will reduce circulation in cold weather.



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