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Be vigilant to keep kids safe from frostbite

Children may not seem to mind Jack Frost nipping at their nose, but failure to cover up in wintry weather can lead to frostbite.

Kids are more susceptible to frostbite than adults for two reasons:
1) Children lose body heat faster, and 2) they're less likely to heed the warning signs (like numbness) when they're having so much fun in the snow.

Since frostbite can result in serious injury such as the loss of fingers and toes, parents and children alike should know some of the basics to prevent and treat frostbite.

Frostbite occurs when the skin and outer tissues become frozen. It tends to affect the extremities (i.e., fingers, toes, ears, nose), which may become pale, gray and blistered.

The early stage of frostbite is called frostnip and often can be treated at home by removing wet clothes and immersing the affected area in warm water or with warm compresses until sensation returns. Don't allow your child to regulate the water temperature, because his or her numb skin won't sense burning water.

If warming the skin doesn't help or you suspect that your child has frostbite, then call your doctor immediately.

The Lucile Packard Children's Hospital at Stanford University Medical Center gives these tips for what to do while waiting for medical assistance:

• Give your child something warm to drink and wrap a blanket around him or her.
• Warm the skin by using warm compresses or immersing the area in warm water (100 to 105 degrees Fahrenheit) until sensation returns.
• Apply clean cotton or gauze between fingers and toes if they are affected.
• Wrap warmed areas of the skin to prevent further damage.
• Don't rub or massage the affected area.
• Don't use direct heat such as heating pads or fires.
• Don't disturb any blisters.

To prevent frostbite, the American academy of Pediatrics recommends keeping all of a child's body parts covered (with gloves, hats that cover the ears, waterproof boots, layers of clothes, etc.) and to come inside if mittens or boots get wet. It also is a good idea to have your children come back inside at regular intervals to warm up.

For more information, visit www.lpch.org/DiseaseHealthInfo/HealthLibrary/poison/frostbit.html

-Greg McConnell
2004 American Academy of Pediatrics