How To Treat Frostbite Properly

When going about treating frostbite there are some key things to remember. Keep in mind that the rewarming process is going to bring a great deal of pain, which is why you should have some ibuprofen or an over the counter medication on hand. The next thing you will want to do is gather a few supplies that will help you in treating your frostbite, the first of which is a small camp stove to heat the water and a pot that is large enough to stick your body part in. Make sure that you are able to put your entire body part in it without having it touch the sides. The sides will be very hot. You will also want a thermometer to check the temperature of the water you have prepared.

You will want to make sure to heat the water to the correct temperature, between 105 and 110 degrees Fahrenheit. Make sure that when you put the affected body part in the water, it is submerged completely. This is important so the rewarming process can take full effect. Pour all of the heated water into the pot or receptacle that you have collected. Completely immerse the body part in the water so it is not touching the sides of the receptacle whatsoever. Heat up some more water to the temperature specified above, and replace it with the water that has cooled down.

Doing this is important so you will keep the water at a hot enough temperature where it is able to treat the frostbite successfully. You will want to repeat this cycle of replacing the water until all of the tissue on your skin has softened and all discoloration is gone. The entire process usually takes up to an hour, but it can work in as little as thirty minutes. After you are done soaking the affected area in hot water you will want to prepare a bath that consists of antibacterial soap and warm water. Immerse the entire area for around five minutes so it will not become infected. Infection is an additional complication that you don't need.

Then you will want to air dry the area and apply an ointment to sooth the surface layer of skin. You will also have to cover the entire area with gauze so as to prevent further damage to the tissue and infection. Take extreme caution not to stay outdoors too long and keep the area covered up for at least several days after treating it.