Differences in Frostbite and Frostnip

1/12/2021 (Permalink)

Frostbite is an injury caused by freezing of the skin and underlying tissues.

Frostbite causes loss of feeling and color around the face, fingers and toes. Exposed skin in cold, windy weather is the most vulnerable to have frostbite but skin covered by clothing or gloves can also develop frostbite. Frostbite can also occur by touching ice, cold packs or frozen metal.

Signs of frostbite are cold and a prickling feeling, numbness, red, white, bluish-white or grayish-yellow looking skin, firm or waxy feeling skin, joint or muscle stiffness causing clumsiness.

Seek medical attention if experiencing fever, increased pain, swelling, redness or discharge in the area where the frostbite occurred.

Frostnip is a milder form of injury from the cold that irritates the skin causing redness and a cold feeling followed by numbness but does not cause permanent damage to the skin.

Frostnip can be treated with first aid measures: go to a warm room, soak in warm water or use body heat to warm up. Do not massage or use a heating pad.

SERVPRO of Rockingham and Augusta Counties cares about your safety during winter weather.