After frostbite rewarming, which dressing is recommended?

After frostbite rewarming, which dressing is recommended?

• A. Loose nonadherent dressings
• B. Tight bandages
• C. Wet gauze
• D. Adhesive tape directly on skin

Answer: (A)

After frostbite is rewarmed, protecting the delicate tissue without causing further injury is the priority. A loose nonadherent dressing is ideal because it cushions the area, prevents sticking to the wound when the dressing is changed, and allows swelling and drainage without constriction. This helps minimize pain and additional tissue damage as perfusion returns. In contrast, a tight bandage can compress the injured area and worsen ischemia; wet gauze can keep the tissue cold and promote maceration and infection; adhesive tape directly on the skin can tear fragile tissue and cause further injury.

After frostbite is rewarmed, protecting the delicate tissue without causing further injury is the priority. A loose nonadherent dressing is ideal because it cushions the area, prevents sticking to the wound when the dressing is changed, and allows swelling and drainage without constriction. This helps minimize pain and additional tissue damage as perfusion returns. In contrast, a tight bandage can compress the injured area and worsen ischemia; wet gauze can keep the tissue cold and promote maceration and infection; adhesive tape directly on the skin can tear fragile tissue and cause further injury.