Frostbitten tissue can swell during rewarming.

Remove anything that could become tight, including:

• Rings
• Watches
• Bracelets
• Tight boots or clothing

❗Only rewarm frostbite if you are sure the area will not freeze again.

Repeated cycles of freezing and thawing cause much more severe tissue damage.

The safest method is warm water immersion.

• Water temperature: 37–39°C (99–102°F)
• Keep the water warm by stirring or adding warm water
• If you do not have a thermometer, the water should feel comfortably warm to normal skin

⏱ Rewarming usually takes at least 30 minutes, sometimes longer.

🚫 Do not use:

• Naked flames
• Heaters or stoves
• Hot metal objects
• Vehicle exhaust pipes
• Heating pads

Frostbitten skin is often numb and burns easily without you noticing.

Rewarming frostbite can be very painful.

If safe for you to take:

• Ibuprofen or Aspirin (standard dose) may help reduce pain and improve circulation.

Stop rewarming when the skin:

• Is no longer pale or waxy
• Feels soft and flexible
• Fingers or toes move easily

• Gently dab dry and allow the skin to air dry
• Avoid rubbing
• Protect the area from pressure or friction

Frostbitten skin can be very fragile and may break easily.

Seek medical attention if:

• The area does not return to normal within one hour after rewarming
• Blisters develop
• Skin appears grey, blue, or black
• Numbness continues

While travelling for care:

• Do not walk on frostbitten feet if possible
• Pad and protect the affected area

In remote environments where evacuation may take time:

❗ Only thaw frostbite if you are confident it will not refreeze.

Before thawing, be aware:

• Rewarming can be extremely painful
• Feet may swell, making it impossible to put boots back on
• This may affect your ability to self-rescue

Focus on protecting the injured tissue:

• Keep the area clean and dry
• Elevate hands or feet if possible
• Protect with loose padding
• Avoid tight bandages

Medication (if safe for you):

• Ibuprofen 400 mg every 6 hours may reduce inflammation and pain.

When evacuation becomes possible:

• Protect frostbitten areas well
• Avoid pressure or trauma
• Avoid walking on frostbitten feet if possible

❌ Rubbing or massaging frozen skin

❌ Thawing skin that may freeze again

❌ Using very hot water or direct heat

❌ Walking on frostbitten feet

❌ Smoking or drinking alcohol (both reduce circulation and can impair recovery)