Chirurgie des brûlures
L’équipe chirurgicale de classe mondiale des Hôpitaux Shriners fournit des soins spécialisés et un traitement qui change la vie des enfants souffrant de brûlures.
Frostbite, which is considered a cold burn, occurs when the skin and underlying tissue freezes due to prolonged exposure to cold, especially in below-freezing temperatures.
Frostbite can happen even after a few minutes in extremely low temperatures. It can occur in snowy, windy or rainy weather. Frostnip is a mild form of frostbite. While classified as mild frostbite, frostnip should be treated so the condition does not advance.
Babies and children are more likely to get frostbite than adults because their bodies lose heat up to four times faster. Children and teenagers may also not always recognize when they need to take a break from playing outside because thinking can be impaired by extreme cold.
When the body is exposed to very low temperatures, it tries to prevent heat loss by redirecting the blood away from the extremities, such as fingers and toes. This change in blood flow may cause people to lose some awareness of how cold their fingers and toes have become, resulting in frostbite. Children playing outside in extreme cold should come inside every 15 minutes or so to take a break and warm up.
Frostbite Symptoms
Early frostbite symptoms include:
- Skin turning from red to extremely pale
- Losing feeling in the affected areas
- Skin feeling hard or firm
- Blistering within 24 hours after exposure to cold
Advanced frostbite symptoms include:
- Skin turning a dark color
- Lack of feeling in the part of the body where the skin has darkened significantly in color
How to Treat Frostbite and Frostnip – and What Not to Do
Frostnip can be cured by slowly rewarming the skin in the affected areas, such as fingers, face and toes.
- Never use heating pads or electric heaters, as they can result in a more serious burn.
- Rewarm affected areas of the body slowly with body heat (for example, placing cold hands under the arms) or warm cloths.
- Do not use hot water to rewarm the skin.
Frostbite is considered a medical emergency and should be treated immediately in a healthcare setting. If you are unsure if your child has frostbite, it is best to contact a healthcare provider.
Staying Safe From Frostbite
Making sure children are adequately prepared for cold temperatures when they go outside is important. Children tend to get frostbite on their fingers and toes, along with parts of their face, so paying extra attention to those areas will help protect them from frostbite and frostnip.
- Dress in layers underneath coats and snow pants.
- Wear waterproof boots.
- Wear hats, mittens and scarves that are large enough to protect a child’s face.
- Take regular breaks, coming inside to warm up from the cold.
- If clothes get wet for any reason, change into a dry outfit.
- Be aware that very cold children (and adults) can develop impaired thinking and sensation, increasing the risk of frostbite.
Many people don’t realize that frostbite is often treated in burn units and like all burns, the sooner your child receives care, the better their outcome will be.
Locations that offer frostbite care
View All Related LocationsShriners Children's provides specialty healthcare to children around the world. We offer a comprehensive range of treatments, services and support to improve the quality of our patients’ lives and help them reach their full potential.
At the Forefront of Pediatric Burn Care
Shriners Children's has been a leader in pediatric burn care for more than 50 years. Our clinical specialists have extensive experience treating all types of burns, from a first-degree burn to a more serious injury requiring hospitalization and surgical intervention.
Innovative treatments
View All Related Conditions
Chirurgie laser
Les Hôpitaux Shriners utilisent une chirurgie laser innovante pour traiter les cicatrices, ce qui permet d’obtenir les meilleurs résultats et une expérience globale pour votre enfant.
Ergothérapie
Les ergothérapeutes des Hôpitaux Shriners aident les enfants à être aussi indépendants que possible, en se concentrant sur ce qui est important pour eux et sur ce qu’ils aiment faire dans leur vie quotidienne.
Gestion des cicatrices
Au fur et à mesure de la guérison des brûlures, les services des Hôpitaux Shriners pour enfants élaboreront un plan de gestion des cicatrices adapté aux besoins de votre enfant. La technologie laser est très efficace pour réduire les cicatrices et améliorer leur aspect général.
Physiothérapie
La physiothérapie aux Hôpitaux Shriners aide les enfants à acquérir de la confiance et de la force, en se concentrant sur ce qui est important pour eux et sur ce qu’ils aiment faire dans leur vie quotidienne.
Next Steps
Prendre rendez-vous
Les familles et les soignants qui cherchent un traitement doivent commencer par nous contacter pour prendre rendez-vous.
Connexion au portail des patients
Les parents et les tuteurs des patients existants peuvent envoyer des courriels, demander des dossiers, prendre des rendez-vous, etc.
Référer un patient
Les médecins et les prestataires de soins de santé peuvent nous contacter pour poser des questions sur nos services et pour parler à nos médecins.