Frostbite and Hypothermia
Frostbite is damage to skin and tissue caused by exposure to any temperature below minus 0.55 degrees Celsius. It can affect any part of the body but is most likely to affect your child’s hands, feet, ears, nose, and lips. One or more of these areas might look pale, grey, and blistered. Your child might be complaining of pain, numbness, or tingling.
Hypothermia is a dangerous drop in your child’s temperature (usually below 35 degrees Celsius). It is a medical emergency that needs hospital treatment. If you think your child has hypothermia, go to your Emergency Department, or call 999 or 112.
A baby with hypothermia might be cold to touch, their skin may be red. They might seem floppy, or be quieter than usual, sleeping and refusing to feed. Older children may be shivering, have pale, cold and dry skin, their lips may be blue. They may be breathing slowing or seem tired or confused.
While you are waiting for help move your child indoors and remove any wet clothing. Wrap them in a blanket or a dry towel. Give older children a warm drink, and some sugary food like chocolate. Keep them awake, and make sure you stay with them. Offer your baby a breastfeed or a warm formula feed.
Frostbite and Hypothermia
Frostbite and hypothermia are cold-related illness that are both very dangerous medical emergencies and require immediate medical attention. If you think your child might have frostbite or hypothermia, get medical help immediately by calling 999 or 112, or going straight to your local emergency department. Follow the care steps below while you wait for medical help to arrive.
Frostbite
Frostbite is damage to skin and tissue caused by exposure to cold. It is most likely to affect your child’s hands, feet, ears, nose, and lips. One or more of these areas might look pale, grey, and blistered. Your child might be complaining of pain, numbness, or tingling.
If you think your child has frostbite, take them indoors to a warm area immediately and call your GP or your Out of Hours GP service for advice. If their symptoms are severe contact your Emergency Department.
Hypothermia
Hypothermia is a dangerous drop in your child’s temperature. It is a medical emergency that needs hospital treatment. If you think your child has hypothermia, go to your Emergency Department, or call 999 or 112.
A baby with hypothermia might be cold to touch, their skin may be red. They might seem floppy, or be quieter than usual, sleeping and refusing to feed.
Older children may be shivering, have pale, cold and dry skin, their lips may be blue. They may be breathing slowly or seem tired or confused.
While you are waiting for help:
- move your child indoors and remove any wet clothing,
- wrap them in a blanket or a dry towel,
- give older children a warm drink, and some sugary food like chocolate,
- keep them awake, and make sure you stay with them,
- offer your baby a breastfeed or a warm formula feed.
If you are in any doubt, contact your GP or out-of-hours service for advice.
Last Updated: 12 January 2024