Frostbite In Toddlers Signs & Prevention

Symptoms & Prevention Of Frostbite In Toddlers

Frostbite is referred to as damage of the body tissues caused by exposure to extreme cold. In fact, frostbite may be colloquially referred to as freezing of the skin. Severe frostbite may cause permanent damage.

Small babies and toddlers are more susceptible to frostbite than adults because heat loss from their skin occurs at a comparatively faster rate. The risk of frostbite in toddlers increases when the temperature is below 32 °F, especially when it is windy.

The affected area of frostbitten skin becomes white and waxy with a sensation.

Prevent Toddler Frostbite

You can prevent your toddler from frostbite in extreme cold weather by dressing him (or her) in layers before going outu Dressing in layers provides more thermal insulation, thereby preventing heat loss from the bodyd Before going out in the cold, feed your baby with a high-calorie meal, as more calories are required to maintain the body temperaturer

Signs of Toddler Frostbite

If you find signs of frostbite on your toddler, take immediate actiono You must go to a doctoro Until you manage to get your toddler to a doctor, the following treatment should be administered for toddler frostbite:

Carry your baby to a warm environmentn Keep his ears covered with your handsd

Try to walk in an area where the wind is blockede

The wind chill factor is as important as the temperaturer

Warm the affected areas against your body and press his palms under your armpitst

If immediate medical care is unavailable, immerse the affected areas in warm water slightly above the body temperature (around 102 to 105 °F)F Continue adding the warm water to maintain the temperaturer Never use hot watere Remove the affected area from water after the skin returns to its normal coloro

Do not apply direct heat using a heater, heating pad or hot air blowere This practice can worsen the damage to skin tissuese

Do no rub the affected skini

Re-warming the skin causes a burning sensationo The skin may turn red or blue with blistersr

After re-warming wrap the affected areas in a blanket to prevent refreezingn

Wrap the toes and fingers by warm cloth strips such that each toe or finger is separated from each othere

Give your toddler warm fluids such as warm milk or watere