So.... first-aid for frostbite?

First of all; Yes, I am aware that I'm an idiot for going out in the freezing cold without gloves.


I was in a hurry to get something done outside this morning and rushed out without gloves.... into 15 degree weather. I was outside for maybe 45 minutes, my hands hurt after only 10 minutes or so, but I continued to do the work I said I'd do. I've basically done first-aid on myself now, just making sure I did it right...

1.) Warmed up my hands. (put them up under my under-arms)
2.) Soaked them in warm water.
3.) Put on gloves to keep them warm.


I'm still wearing a pretty thick pair of gloves now. My fingers are still a bit swollen and numb, but not nearly as much as they were. Anything else I can do?

Well done on rewarming your fingers correctly, in warm water, ideally leaving them in the water, until your fingers start to tingle, have you removed your jewelery?. Putting on gloves and staying indoors is a good idea. And the pain and swelling is to be expected, but if your fingers continue to be numb, and the colour remains purple/blue/black seek medical attention.


If frostbite is severe seek medical attention, ideally after rewarming effected parts, in warm water until tingling can be felt, remove jewelery, then wrap each finger individually, with cotton swabs (to prevent rubbing), then bandage and the affected limbs.
Under no circumstances should you ever,
Rub the effected area (causes more damage to the affected area)
Use heat packs or pads (can burn the affected area)
Give alcohol, as this will take heat away from extremities

best solution NOW

is to get into the shower and let the warm water run over them,

stay in there til the water runs cold then get out,

GLOVES are BAD,

wear mittens,

or Nothing,

and rub some vaseline or shea butter type cream on them
this will help get the blood moving,

If you can't take a shower,
stand in the bathroom with your hands in the basin letting the warm water wash over them,

M

You have done all the right things. The only other thing to do is possibly take some pain medication for the stinging/numbness - it will make you more comfortable. Hopefully, your fingers are back to normal temperature now. The swelling will take several days to go away. Watch for any black areas to appear on the skin - this needs immediate medical attention which is an indicator that an area of tissue has died from your frostbite. Also, after a frostbite, your fingers will remain more sensitive to any cold when exposed again.

i will still soak them in warm water, not hot but not cold. keep them covered, if they still bother you after the first 24 hours, i would go see the doctor.