Frostbite occurs when the body's tissues freeze deeply in the cold. Ice crystals that form in the tissues cause damage to the cells. This is the opposite of a burn, but it does almost identical damage to the skin. Treating frostbite is a delicate procedure of gradual warming. If at all possible, this should be done by professionals at a medical facility.
• First, get out of the cold.
• Small areas of minor frostbite may be rewarmed by skin-to-skin contact, but avoid using any heat sources or hot packs.
• If you can't make it to a medical facility, use immersion of the affected area in warm water (98 to 105 F) for 20 to 30 minutes to rewarm it.
• Do not rub the affected area or use heat sources