Medical Treatment

• After initial life threats are excluded, rewarming is the highest priority.
  
  
  • This is accomplished rapidly in a water bath heated to 40-42°C (104-107.6°F) and continued until the thaw is complete (usually 15-30 minutes).
    
    
  • Narcotic pain medications may be given because this process is very painful.
    
    
  • Because dehydration is very common, IV fluids may also be given.
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• After rewarming, post-thaw care is undertaken in order to prevent infection and a continuing lack of oxygen to the area.
  
  
  • The clear blisters are removed while the bloody ones are left intact so as not to disturb the underlying blood vessels.
    
    
  • A tetanus booster is given if needed.
  
  
• People with frostbite are hospitalized for at least 1-2 days to determine the extent of injury and to receive further treatment.
  
  
  • Aloe vera cream is applied every 6 hours, and the area is elevated and splinted.
    
    
  • Ibuprofen is given twice per day to combat inflammation and penicillin or another appropriate antibiotic given to prevent infection.
    
    
  • For deep frostbite, daily water therapy in a 40°C (104°F) whirlpool bath will be performed in order to remove any dead tissue.
  
  
• A number of experimental therapies do exist, many of which aim to further treat the inflammation or decreased blood flow seen in frostbite. As of yet, none of these treatments has proven beneficial.