Shriners Children’s Shares Winter Safety Tips to Avoid Frostbite

With frigid temperatures and snow in the forecast, Shriners Children's Boston is alerting parents about the risk of frostbite for children and teenagers.

Frostbite is an injury caused by the freezing of skin and underlying tissues, most often affecting the fingers, toes, nose and ears. It occurs when skin is exposed to temperatures below 32°F, causing ice crystals to form in the cells, which damages tissue, reduces blood flow and can lead to severe or permanent injury.

Robert Sheridan, M.D., of Shriners Children's Boston said children are especially vulnerable to frostbite because their bodies lose heat up to four times faster than adults. Children may not recognize when it's time to come inside, since extreme cold can affect judgment and awareness while they're playing outdoors.

"Cold weather can be deceptive when it comes to frostbite," said Dr. Sheridan. "The body responds to freezing temperatures by sending blood away from the hands and feet to protect the core, but this also reduces sensation in those extremities. Children and teens may not realize how cold their fingers and toes have become and could stay outside longer than is safe."

Strong, cold winds can accelerate heat loss, increasing the risk of frostbite, so children need to be properly dressed in waterproof hats, gloves, boots and coats before going outside. However, even with the right clothing, children should still limit their time outdoors to stay safe.

"If children are playing in extreme cold, they should come indoors every 15 minutes or so to warm up and check for signs of frostbite," Dr. Sheridan said. "Frostnip is less serious and can be treated by warming the child indoors, but frostbite is a medical emergency and requires immediate care. Many families are surprised to learn that frostbite is treated much like a burn, and fortunately, our burn team has extensive experience with this type of injury. As with any burn, prompt medical attention gives children the best chance for a full recovery."

Early signs of frostbite include redness, stinging or tingling sensations and numbness. In severe cases, the skin can harden, blister and eventually turn black, indicating tissue damage. If any of these signs appear, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.