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The Dangers of Winter
How to Keep Your Kids Safe
By Barb Eimer
If you suspect that your child has frostbite, it's important to treat the tissue gently before, during and after re-warming. For mild cases, prepare a warm water bath and gently circulate the water around the frostbitten tissue until the frostbitten part becomes flushed.
Pain after re-warming usually indicates that tissue has been successfully re-warmed. In more severe cases, the skin feels hard, the affected tissue is white or gray and the skin will not rebound when pressed.
Dr. Ahn Lam, a podiatrist at the Southeast Foot and Ankle Center in Juneau, Alaska, says there are a few things you should not do if your child has a severe case of frostbite. "Do not manipulate the tissue or try to warm it at home," he says. "Ignoring it is the worst thing you can do. And with cases of second- or third-degree frostbite, you need to get to the hospital."
Obviously, hats, scarves, gloves and a warm winter coat are essential, too. As you lose about 50 percent of your body heat through your head, hats are a very important, but often overlooked, winter accessory.
And, yes, your mother really did know best when she told you to dress in layers, as the warm air trapped between layers forms protective insulation. Finally, snow pants or snowmobile suits are recommended, especially if your child will be outside for a long time.
Lam says that infants can be outdoors for short periods as long as they are bundled up securely and their extremities are well-protected. He suggests warming up your vehicle before putting your child in it. It's also advisable to lightly cover your child's face with a blanket to keep him from the direct effect of the wind and cold.