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FYI

- If Frostbite Strikes

- Seek medical attention immediately

(HealthDayNews) -- Frigid temperatures mean skin that's exposed for too long are prone to frostbite, when affected areas feels rock hard and develops a white, waxy, or purplish appearance.

If you get frostbite, The Nemours Foundation advises you:

• Seek medical care.
• Come indoors immediately and remove wet clothing.
• Treat frozen parts gently; don't rub them.
• Warm the frozen parts in warm water (not hot) for about 30 minutes. Don't use dry heat, such as a fireplace, to thaw frostbite.
• Warm your entire body by wrapping yourself in a blanket.
• Place clean cotton balls between frostbitten fingers and toes after they've been warmed.
• Loosely wrap warmed areas with clean bandages to prevent refreezing.

-- Felicity Stone

- Copyright © 2004 ScoutNews, LLC. All rights reserved.

- This is a story from HealthDay, a service of ScoutNews, LLC.

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