Frostbite

Frostbite occurs when tissue is damaged by extreme cold. Frostbite most frequently occurs in toes, fingers, ears, and nose.

Contributing Factors	Extreme cold Wet clothes Wind chill Poor circulation (can be due to tight clothing, medications, or other medical conditions)
Symptoms	Skin turns off-white Prickly or tingling feeling occurs as ice crystals form Pain may be present initially, then disappears as frostbite progresses In severe cases, loss of feeling occurs in the affected area
Prevention	Wear clothing to protect vulnerable areas. Avoid fabrics that retain moisture. Before exposure, avoid alcohol and smoking. Get plenty of food and rest. In prolonged exposure, find shelter and stay active

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