When exposed to very cold temperatures, the skin and underlying tissues may freeze, resulting in frostbite. The areas most likely to be affected are the hands, feet, nose, and ears. Most first-aid manuals list a single, traditional treatment for frostbite gentle rewarming. New research on the biology of frozen tissue suggests you might also reach for some ibuprofen and aloe vera. Frostbite is, literally, frozen body tissue usually skin and must be handled carefully to prevent permanent damage.
Children are at greater risk for frostbite than adults.
In frostbite, ice crystals may actually form inside or between frozen skin cells, and frozen blood may clump or clot inside the skin's tiny blood vessels. The damage that results can be mild to severe, ranging from no permanent injury, to blisters, to severe permanent damage to the skin, nerves and blood vessels. Copyright 2000 KinderStart. Inc. All rights reserved.