As the outdoor temperature falls, the risk for frostnip and frostbite rises — particularly for children.

“Children are more likely to get frostbite compared to adults for several reasons,” says pediatrician Aimee Johnson, MD, with LVPG Pediatrics–Lehighton. “They have thinner skin and lose heat more rapidly compared to adults, and they play and get distracted, so they don’t recognize the symptoms or may not be able to express the symptoms.”

What is frostnip?

Frostnip is reversible cold-weather damage to the skin that happens when the body is exposed to freezing temperatures (at or below 32°F) for a prolonged period. When frostnip occurs, a child’s skin may appear red and feel numb or tingly.

If treated quickly and properly, the effects of this early stage of frostbite are short-lived and do not result in permanent tissue damage.

How do you treat frostnip?

In many cases, frostnip can be treated right at home. When frostnip occurs:

• Get your child out of the cold as soon as possible.

• Change your child into warm, dry clothing.

• Warm your child’s skin by using warm compresses or immersing the affected area in warm water (between 100-105°F) until feeling returns.

• Do not rub or massage the skin.

• Wrap warmed areas of the skin to keep them from freezing again.

Without proper treatment, frostnip can progress into frostbite — a more severe cold-weather injury.

What is frostbite?

Frostbite is damage to the skin from freezing and happens when ice crystals form in the skin or in deeper tissue. The most common sites for frostbite are the fingers, hands, toes, feet, ears, chin, nose and cheeks. Frostbite can cause serious injury, such as long-lasting (permanent) tissue damage.

If frostbite occurs, it is best to seek medical assistance right away. Take your child to an emergency room as soon as possible if their skin:

• Is red and then becomes white or turns grayish-yellow

• Burns, tingles or is numb

• Feels unusually firm or waxy

• Feels hard and swollen

• Has blisters or sores — an indication of severe frostbite

• Turns black and is painful

How do you care for someone with frostbite?

Treatment will depend on your child’s symptoms, age, general health and the severity of the condition.

The severity of frostbite depends on several factors, including air temperature, length of time in the cold, wind chill, dampness and type of clothing worn.

In severe cases, dead tissue may need to be removed through a procedure called debridement or through surgery.

If your child comes in with cold, hard skin that looks waxy, white, blue or yellow, don’t rub their skin. Have them change into warm, dry clothing and go to the emergency room as soon as possible.

The emergency room at Lehigh Valley Hospital–Carbon is open 24/7 and located at 2128 Blakeslee Blvd. Drive E., Lehighton.