Thawing frostbitten area should occur only if sure it will not freeze again.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Not sure
• D. Not specified

Answer: (A)

Rewarming frostbitten tissue should only be done if you can prevent it from freezing again. When tissue freezes, ice crystals form and blood flow is disrupted, causing tissue injury. Rewarming helps restore blood flow and reduces damage, but if the area refreezes after initial warming, the injury worsens because new ice crystals form and microvascular damage expands. In practice, this means you only thaw if you can keep the area warm and protected from renewed cold exposure—for example, in a controlled, warm environment. If there’s a real risk the area could freeze again, keep it frozen and seek shelter and care instead. If you can safely rewarm, do so with warm (not hot) water around 37–39°C for 15–30 minutes, protect the area with dry dressings, avoid rubbing, and monitor for signs requiring medical attention.