Aurora, CO,
29
January
2023
|
20:00 PM
Europe/Amsterdam

UCHealth’s Burn and Frostbite Center sees increase in frostbite patients this year compared to last.

With extreme cold and subzero temperatures returning to parts of Colorado, UCHealth’s Burn and Frostbite Center reminds Coloradans that frostbite can happen in a matter of minutes. This winter season, UCHealth has seen an increase in patients seeking treatment for frostbite. There have been 34 admissions so far this year at the UCHealth Burn and Frostbite Center. Last year, the unit saw 30 admissions for the entire winter season.

On average, the UCHealth Burn and Frostbite Center sees 30-60 admissions every year and consults on between 90-100 additional cases at hospitals across the Rocky Mountain Region—from Montana to New Mexico. The busiest year was 2020 when UCHealth saw 83 admissions for frostbite.

UCHealth’s Burn and Frostbite Center offers the following tips if someone suspects frostbite due to cold exposure:

  • Prevent additional exposure to the cold.
  • Rewarm the affected area in warm (not hot) water for 15 – 30 minutes.
  • Keep the affected area elevated to reduce swelling.
  • Use over-the counter pain medication like ibuprofen if the affected area is painful upon warming.
  • Try to avoid walking on frostbitten feet.

If the skin appears blue, bluish-gray or blisters form when the skin warms, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible to prevent further tissue damage.

Frostbite can happen fast.  It only takes 30 minutes for frostbite to set in when the temperature is 5 degrees and the wind speed is 30 mph. At -5 degrees and a wind speed of 30 mph, frostbite will happen in 10 minutes.

For more information on frostbite, visit our website.

Note to media: Click here for the raw interview available for use with Dr. Arek Wiktor, medical director of the UCHealth Burn and Frostbite Center.