The Winnipeg Regional Health Authority (WRHA) is warning that cases of frostbite, frostnip, and hypothermia, are on the rise in Winnipeg as temperatures drop.

Kristjan Thompson, an Emergency Physician with WRHA, explained what we should keep an eye out for during this season. "Frostnip and Frostbite are freezing of the skin, the actual tissue. In some instances with severe frostbite, actual ice crystals can form in the cells. That's why you get tissue damage and blisters," Kristjan described. "Frostnip is more of a superficial injury. Some people might feel numbness, the skin may be more red. Typically symptoms will resolve on their own."

"If you don't feel pain, no feeling or numbness, that is more concerning."

The WRHA also warns about frostbite. This occurs when soft tissue of the body freezes with various degrees of severity. It is a particular danger on days with a high wind chill factor -- much like we have been seeing recently. If not treated properly, frostbite can even lead to the loss of tissues or limbs.

Kristjan says, "Frostbite has various levels of severity. Typically it's a deeper freeze that can range anywhere from blistering to hemorrhagic blisters, all the way down to muscles and bone."  

Kristjan says,"If you don't feel pain, no feeling or numbness, that is more concerning. If you have frostbite to the extent that it has gone into to your sensory nerves, its an indication to go to the emergency room or see your doctor promptly."

"If you are in an environment where you are only temporarily warming and have frostbite, then immediately go back to a cold environment, that actually can be worse. You only want to rewarm when you will be in a warm environment for a prolonged period. The freeze -- thaw -- freeze can be actually more dangerous," Kristjan stressed.

What to do with frostnip and frostbite:

The Winnipeg Regional Health Authority urges you to seek medical attention for frostnip or frostbite if the skin seems pale, unusually firm, insensitive to touch even after rewarming, and/or if there are large areas of blistering, bluish hue to the area or severe pain. 

Should frostnip or frostbite occur, there are many ways you can treat the affected area:

  1. Rapidly rewarm the area by immersing it in warm water at 42 C for 30 minutes. In emergencies when water is not readily available, hold the area between two warm hands.
  2. Do not rub the affected area, or use hot water bottles or hot stoves
  3. Rest affected area and avoid any irritation
  4. Continue rewarming until the tissue is soft, pliable, and flushed red.
  5. Elevate the limb after rewarming.
  6. Do not break any blisters that may have formed.
  7. Wrap loosely in soft material. Protect the covered area from injury and further low-temperature exposure.
  8. Drink warm fluids
  9. Tylenol or ibuprofen may be required for pain.

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