*Welcome to the OutUK series looking at gay men and their health brought to you in association with the NHS* website.**
	Each week we'll tackle a different topic in our A to Z of Gay Health. We'll have features and advice on everything from relationships, sexual health, mental and physical conditions and how to stay fit. You can follow any of links provided below for more information direct from the NHS website, or view any of our Previous A to Z Features.

You should also know that OutUK has produced a special report about: Coronavirus Covid-19.

[Previous Feature][Next Feature]

This Week - F : Frostbite

Check if you have frostbite

You can get frostbite if your skin is exposed to temperatures of 0C (32F) or below.

The parts of the body most often affected are the fingers, toes, nose and ears.

At first, your skin may be:

cold and firm
numb, or you may feel a stinging or burning sensation
painful, throb or ache
red or pale (redness may be harder to see on black or brown skin)

Frostbite gets worse the colder it is and the longer you're exposed to the cold.

If frostbite gets worse, symptoms can include:

hard, frozen skin that can be white, blue or blotchy
swelling and loss of feeling in the affected area
blisters filled with blood or clear or milky fluid
the skin turns black and hard as it starts to die (this may be harder to see on black or brown skin)

Call 999 or go to A&E if:

You've been exposed to very cold temperatures and:

have hard, frozen skin
have swelling and loss of feeling in the affected area
have blisters filled with blood or a clear or milky fluid
you're constantly shivering, have slurred speech, slow breathing and are tired and confused

Find your nearest A&E

What to do while waiting for help with frostbite

If you think you or someone you're with has frostbite, there are some things you can do while waiting for medical help.

Do

go indoors or somewhere sheltered as quickly as possible
remove clothing and jewellery, such as gloves, rings and boots from the affected area
wrap yourself in something warm like a blanket, sleeping bag or dry towel
put your hands in your armpits (if your hands are affected)
if you're with someone who has frostbite, place the affected body part in your lap and gently warm it with your hands
place the affected body part in warm (not hot) water, dry it and put on a light dressing, such as a gauze bandage, if you have one
raise the body part to reduce swelling
take paracetamol to ease any pain - do not give aspirin to children under 16
have a warm drink or water

Don't

do not rub the affected area
do not use things like a fire, radiator, hot water bottle or heat lamp to warm the affected area
do not have a hot bath to warm yourself up
do not drink alcohol

Hypothermia

If the person is shivering a lot or struggling to stay awake, they may have hypothermia (very low body temperature).

Make sure they're warm and keep them awake by talking to them until you can get medical help.

Treatment for frostbite

Frostbite is treated in hospital.

Treatments for frostbite include:

warming the affected body part
removing dead skin
medicines to treat swelling and infection
surgery if frostbite is severe

You may have follow-up appointments to check how your wounds are healing and to help with any lasting problems you might have (such as problems with movement).

Complications of frostbite

Frostbite can cause serious problems, especially if it's severe.

It can cause the skin and tissue to die (gangrene), which may mean the affected body part needs to be removed (amputated).

Some people have lasting problems after having frostbite, such as pain and stiffness in the affected areas.

You're also more likely to get frostbite again if the body part is exposed to cold temperatures.

How to avoid getting frostbite

To help avoid getting frostbite, it's important to wear warm clothing if you're in very cold temperatures.

For example, you should wear:

several loose layers of clothing with a waterproof outer layer
a hat and scarf to protect your head, neck and face
gloves or mittens to protect your hands and fingers
thick socks and boots to protect your feet and toes

It's also important to eat and drink regularly if you're in cold conditions for long periods.

[Previous Feature]

[Next Feature]

We'll have more information and advice next week on another topic in our A to Z of Gay Health. We have covered many subjects in this series and you can catch up with all of our Previous A to Z Features. If you want to find out more about this week's subject you can visit the Original article on the NHS website. If you are worried by any aspect of your health make sure you go and see your doctor or book an appointment at your local clinic.
Photos: LightFieldStudios and one of VladOrlov, Stockcube, darak77, ajr_images or rawpixel.com.