Frostbite and chilblains

Frostbite causes the skin to become cold, pale and numb from poor circulation after exposure to cold. The areas most easily affected by frostbite are the fingers, toes and ears. Parts of the face are also prone, especially the nose and chin. Warming up and restoring circulation to a frostbitten area is painful, and swelling and redness occur. Since the affected area is numb and less sensitive, it is most susceptible to injury. Even rubbing too vigorously or using too much heat can cause injury, so warming up should be accomplished slowly and gently, preferably with the warmth of another body part, such as the armpit. Use only warm, not hot, water to restore circulation. Chilblains occur from long-term exposure to cold. They appear a day or more later as red, itchy areas, which can develop into very painful blisters. If the deeper skin layers have been affected, tissues die off and gangrene may result. After the first exposure, the skin is typically more sensitive to the effects of cold and heat.

Frostbite occurs as a result of lengthy exposure of tissues to extreme cold, causing poor circulation which damages blood vessels and tissues. Frostbite is more likely to occur in areas with inhibited circulation, due to tight clothing or shoes. Getting wet or allowing the clothes to become damp also predisposes the area to the effects of cold. Children and the elderly are most susceptible to the effects of the cold, and alcohol and tobacco encourage frostbite because they restrict circulation. Constant movement keeps blood moving in the fingers and toes, while resting allows circulation to slow and leaves extremities more susceptible to chilling. Exhaustion, dehydration and hunger further interfere with the body's ability to fend off the cold.

Like frostbite, chilblains occur as a result of cold damage to tissues, when an area is subjected to cold for a longer period. Again, areas of poor circulation and those most exposed to the cold are most susceptible. A common problem is wearing thin socks and shoes that pinch in cold weather.

Supplements and herbs

Tests show that vitamin C protects the body from exposure to cold. It also works as an anti-inflammatory and speeds the healing of tissues. Niacin promotes circulation and creates a warm flush in most people.

Herbal remedies speed healing, after exposure to frostbite

• Aloe vera has been effectively used to heal skin damaged by frostbite.
• Horsetail tea will rebuild connective tissue. Drink 1 tsp. of herbs in 1 cup of boiling water three times daily.
• The vitamin C in rose hip tea will help speed healing.
• Add horsetail, oak bark, horse chestnut or tormentil infusions to bath water.

What else you can do

• For first-degree frostbite with swollen skin which shows white then red, apply warm, moist wraps. Gently massage affected areas with onion juice or camphor oil.
• For second- and third-degree frostbite showing blisters, gangrene and deteriorating tissue, call a doctor immediately, as any delay can result in amputation of affected limbs.
• To avoid frostbite, wear loose, comfortable shoes. Avoid tight shoes or stockings and damp clothing. Persons with circulatory problems in the extremities should be especially careful of long exposure to damp cold and drafts.

How much to take

• Vitamin C, with bioflavonoids, 1,000-3,000 mg.
• Niacin, 500 mg three times daily

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