Claúdio Ferreira Nurse Coordinator LUZ 24 Cold burns are frostbite injuries. They can range from very mild, small, localized and easily treatable at home. to very severe, with tissue loss and life-threatening. Exposed areas and extremities are the most frequently and first hit, for example: Nose; Ears; Chin; Cheeks; Fingers and toes. Cold burns are more common in colder climates and seasons and in higher altitude regions . Prevention plays a key role. How to identify a frostbite and what to do? When there is a mild frostbite , which can be treated at home, the affected skin area is small and it gets: Cold; Whitish or grayish; Numb or less sensitive; Harder than usual. To solve the problem, heat the affected area : By c ontact with warm water, at a temperature that is tolerable in contact with normal skin; This contact must be made for periods, since the sensitivity may be altered, thus avoiding the burn being aggravated by the heat; If possible, the affected area should also be placed in contact with other regions of the body that are warmer. What not to do The areas affected by frostbite are more sensitive and therefore more easily will suffer from other injuries. That is why you should not: Rub in an attempt to warm up; Use heaters or a fire as a heat source , due to the increased risk of burns. Prevent cold injuries Prevention is key to preventing frostbite and it is very simple: Do not remain exposed to very low temperatures for a long time; Do not remain immobile when exposed to very low temperatures; Dress properly at low temperatures: Wear several layers of clothing, avoid very tight pieces of clothing; Depending on circumstances, the outer layer must also protect against rain, snow or wind; Protect the head, face, hands and feet, using gloves, hats, warm socks, scarves, glasses, masks; Wear comfortable, warm, water-resistant shoes or boots; Reinforce skin hydration care, especially in exposed areas; Maintain good nutrition and state of hydration. If possible, drink hot drinks. Cold burns do not just happen from exposure to low indoor or outdoor temperatures . They can also happen through contact with cold objects , for example when ice is applied to the skin with the intention of solving a problem. This is the reason why: The application of ice, when necessary, should not be continuous, but at regular intervals, for example 10 minutes every 2 hours; A protection should always be placed between the ice and the skin, for example a gauze pad, a piece of cloth or a towel. Seek for medical attention If exposure to cold has caused sores, dark skin or difficulty moving the affected area (if applicable); If you have treated a mild frostbite and the symptoms remain for example : Loss of sensitivity; Darkened skin; Loss of skin integrity (loss of skin or wound); Presence of exudate. If you need to, call LUZ 24 – 217 104 424 – the Hospital da Luz clinical triage service, by phone, available 24 hours, 365 days, for adults and children. The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
