I was in cold weather elk hunting situation (10-30 degrees F) and experienced the usual numbness in my toes while sitting. Question- I believe I have case of mild frostbite on the 2nd & 3rd toes of both feet. Moments ago I had my first shower upon returning home and as I walked across the floor the affected toes have that tingling sensation (like falling asleep on your arm). The feeling has been present for three days, but there is no visual problem. I researched frostbite on the web and it appears I have a "mild case" that may take months to heal. Any comments or experience that suggests otherwise and I should seek medical help? Thnaks in advance -Joe (age 51)

I have similar in one of my big toes, from a bike ride that took a bit longer and was a bit colder than expected. My feet were cherry red when I removed the socks, and the skin stayed white for a while after touching. Now one of the big toes stings from time to time. I think (not a medical opinion) that things will be OK. I've had it before. I'm not quite sure what could be done at this point anyway. Did the website you researched suggest any medical action?

Frans

I always thought that for mild cases there was nothing to do but put up with it. Would love to hear of something better.

Dean

I'd suggest a nice foot massage preferably by a gal with brunette hair and large breasts. It won't help your feet at all but you'll feel better all the same.

the chef

That is indeed better than what I have done in the past .

dean

quote:

Originally posted by JoeATCA:
I was in cold weather elk hunting situation (10-30 degrees F) and experienced the usual numbness in my toes while sitting. Question- I believe I have case of mild frostbite on the 2nd & 3rd toes of both feet. Moments ago I had my first shower upon returning home and as I walked across the floor the affected toes have that tingling sensation (like falling asleep on your arm). The feeling has been present for three days, but there is no visual problem. I researched frostbite on the web and it appears I have a "mild case" that may take months to heal. Any comments or experience that suggests otherwise and I should seek medical help? Thnaks in advance -Joe (age 51)

Had it a few times and indeed it sounds like a mild case and it will rectify itself with time. However you should try and avoid any further prolonged exposure of those toes to cold for a while.

It is also not uncommon for previously frost bitten parts to sting and act up a bit quicker than you would expect in the future. I have one ear that will give me shooting pains under circumstances that just don't seem that bad. I have 'frosted' it a couple of times.

I do like calgarychef1's approach. Sounds like good medical advice.

When they turn black and fall off, it's too late.

Grizz

not much you can do for it. but be aware that forever after those piece of you that were frostbit will be more susceptible to in the future.

They's used hyperbaric oxygen therapy with some degree of success on severely frostbitten fingers.

quote:

Originally posted by butchloc:
not much you can do for it. but be aware that forever after those piece of you that were frostbit will be more susceptible to in the future.

Not just frostbitten but any injury, that's compromised the circulation.

Grizz

Don't be surprised (or alarmed) if the affected area peels like a sunburn in a couple days. If it was pretty mild it'll just be the outer layer -real thin. I've had it peel pretty thick though, more like a callous, without any ill effects. Good news is, now you know how cold is too cold! Take care, Nick

The injured area will also re-freeze much easier in the future, so be careful. I've managed to freeze toes, fingers, the end of my nose, and the tops of my ears over the last few decades. Guess I'm a slow learner, lol. I also worked outside in the arctic a lot during my younger years, and didn't seek shelter as often as I should have. - dan

quote:

Originally posted by calgarychef1:
I'd suggest a nice foot massage preferably by a gal with brunette hair and large breasts. It won't help your feet at all but you'll feel better all the same.

the chef

Palm trees, you forgot to include the palm trees in there. They make a difference, they really do.

10 years ago I went icefishing. The weather was cold (-30 degrees C) and my shoes was one size too smal (of that kind used for crosscountry skiing). I froze the tip of both my big toes. That tingling sensation were gone the next day, but I still get cold in my big toes much easier than before.

Unfortunately there is no cure for frostbite....by you self a pair of baffin shoes

Skyline and butchloc are correct. You seem to have had a mild case of cold injury. It is quite common to have intermittent residual symptoms for some time afterward. It is also correct that this injury will make you more susceptible to cold injury with future exposure. There is no specific treatment that will benefit you at this point.

So Doc we're back to the brunette with the large breasts...........I swear she can fix almost anything.

When I was young (late teens), I suffered mild frostbite on the toes of both feet while working at a sawmill. The problem was exacerbated when I did it again a couple of months later when travelling in -50 degree weather in a car with a non-functional heater! I lost skin off both feet for quite some time afterward. My feet did seem to be more sensitive to cold for a long time thereafter and I again suffered mild frostbite during Vietnam training in Alabama (I wasn't the only one. It was about ten degrees F and we were not equipped for cold weather. Those boots just were not that warm!) Since then, I have always taken care to keep my feet warm, if nothing else.
My wifes uncle lost toes off both feet to frostbite and it's definitely something to be avoided. Regards, Bill.

Not to hi-jack this thread, but since I started taking blood pressure meds, my hands and feet get cold so much sooner.

Guessing the meds reduce the amount of blood flow to extremidies ?

Went out the other day in -8 F and didn't last very long at all.

Generally, antihypertensives do not themselves reduce peripheral blood flow. However, if you have an (abnormal) arterial narrowing, a drop in blood pressure MAY result in lower flow past a preexisting atherosclerotic plaque. Best place to start is to talk to your doctor about your decreased tolerance of cold and see if he/she wants to look at your peripheral arterial flow. Having said all that minus 8 is pretty cold. I wouldn't want to stay out in that very long.

8 below is just nice weather ... I,ve frost bit both hands , ears and toes . I log @-35 f . I have noticied that since I started chewin snoose again last winter my feet get colder . .
.
the worst thing is not wearing eand nough of the right clothes . For stand hunting Baffin boots , White Bunny boots , or Trans Alaska boots are great . I,m 50 and I spend more time warmijg up than I did when I was alot younger . If you keep your core warm and your legs , your feet will stay alot warmer. I M E . boots fated to 100 below are ok to 60 below .

Thanks to all. It has been three months since the hunt. The feeling is almost back to normal. If I stand in bare feet and press down slightly, the tingling last for 5 - 10 seconds and then dimishes. I will take posts' advice and assume I will more prone to frostbite in the future. Joe

I frost bit my ears years ago lost skin for a while after that.

As I get older I have a harder time keeping my feet warm I use small heat packs called Toasty Toes.
They work great for 10 hrs or so.I put one in each boot I feet stay nice and warm all day. I even use them in my running shoes they inable me to run 4 miles in -20 deggree weather once again.