How to Treat Frostbite?
Medical Treatment:
- Remove to a warmer place and get warms. Do not rub or apply direct heat. No smoking
- Rewarming is needed for at least 30min. Pain killers with medical supervision ideal. After rewarming, wrap in clean bandages and keep the skin clean. Complete rest advised
- Severe frostbite needs hospital care. Similar to burns, needs specialist treatment. Thrombolysis if clotting risk is high. Iloprost dilates the blood vessels. Both these within 24hrs to reduce limb loss. Amputation or debridement should be delayed for several weeks, as borderline dead tissue will regenerate