Winter Chills & Spills
by Professional Home Nursing
CHILLS
Vickie St. Peter RN, BSN
Aroostook County offers crystal landscapes and
exhilarating recreation in the winter months. However, there
can be a dangerous side to winter in the form of subzero skin
exposures and falls on the ice. Professional Home Nursing
would like to share some prudent tips to help Aroostook
County’s hardy population weather the winter.
Frostbite: What is it anyway? - Frostbite is damage
to the skin and underlying tissue caused by extreme cold.
Remember, your body is made up of mostly water and if not
insulated properly water freezes. The most common areas
of the body to be affected by frostbite are the hands, feet,
ears, nose and cheeks but all areas of unprotected skin are at
risk for frostbite.
What are the stages of frostbite?
•Stage 1 – First-degree frostbite causes the skin to
appear yellow or white. There may be a stinging/burning
sensation to the affected area. This stage is considered mild
and can easily be reversed by gradual warming.
•Stage 2 – Second-degree frostbite appears after
moderate exposure to cold.
It is characterized by red, swollen skin that may or may not
be painful.
Blisters and skin peeling may develop as the
frostbite resolves.
•Stage 3 – Third-degree frostbite results after a
prolong exposure to cold and is characterized by waxy
looking, hard skin and tissue. It is at this stage there is skin
and tissue death due to the lack of a blood supply to the
effected area(s). If not treated properly there is a danger of
permanent tissue death and a strong possibility of infection,
gangrene and amputation of the affected area(s).
Who is at risk for frostbite? – Everyone is at risk
for frostbite but some populations can be more prone to
frostbite.
•Anyone with underlying circulation problems
such as: diabetes, peripheral neuropathy, peripheral vascular
disease, heart disease, respiratory disease and Raynaud’s
phenomenon.
•The very young and very old because of a small
surface area and decreased circulation
•Anyone exposed to severe or prolong windy, cold
weather
•Anyone not properly dressed for the cold or damp
clothing
How do I treat frostbite? – The key to treating
frostbite is to slowly rewarm the tissue. Never rub, massage
or shake the affected area, this only causes more tissue
damage. Never try to use rapid methods to rewarm the
frostbitten area such as direct forced dry heat for example:
radiators, campfires, blow dryers or heating pads.
•Stage 1 – First-degree frostbite treatment: Passive
warming, remove the person from the wind and cold
environment to a warm area. Remove any wet articles and
jewelry. Wrap the person and affected area in warm dry
blankets and allow the body to rewarm itself.
•Stage 2 – Second-degree frostbite, transport the