Understanding Frostbite - Prevention

How Can I Prevent Frostbite?

Because frostbite can lead to such serious consequences, prevention is important. If you're planning outdoor activities, check weather forecasts frequently and heed warnings about cold temperatures and possible storms that might strand you in dangerous conditions. Avoid risky situations -- such as hikes or camping trips in cold weather -- that may be beyond your experience level. It's also wise to consult with local park rangers about the weather, terrain, avalanche danger, and other conditions that may interfere with your ability to obtain shelter or emergency help.

To reduce your risk of frostbite, dress properly in cold temperatures. This includes protecting your hands, feet, nose, and ears. Bundle in warm, layered, and loose-fitting clothes, a hat and scarf (or a ski mask), warm socks, and mittens (not gloves), and make sure children are properly bundled, too. Spend time inside periodically to warm up. Wet clothing or skin can increase your risk of frostbite.

These guidelines may also help you prevent frostbite:

• If you've just arrived in a cold climate from a warmer one, give your body time to adjust before spending extended periods outside.
• Avoid drinking alcohol before or during exposure to cold weather since alcohol may prevent you from realizing that your body is becoming too cold.
• Avoid smoking cigarettes, which can affect your blood vessels and increase your risk of frostbite.
• At the first sign of redness, blueness, or whiteness, or pain in your skin, which may indicate that you are becoming too cold or that frostbite are potential risks, get out of the cold, warm up, and protect the exposed skin.