What should be avoided in the initial treatment of frostbite?

In the initial treatment of frostbite, rubbing the affected area should be avoided because it can cause further tissue damage. The skin and underlying tissues are already compromised due to the cold, and aggressive rubbing can lead to additional injury, including breaking down fragile skin and blood vessels. This can exacerbate the condition by potentially introducing more cold exposure to the area or even causing a secondary injury that complicates recovery.

Warm water immersion, while caution is warranted, can be an appropriate method for rewarming depending on the severity and context of the frostbite, especially if not done too aggressively. Rewarming indoors can also be a supportive method, as long as the individual is monitored closely. Removing wet clothing is a crucial step in preventing additional cold exposure and helping to restore body temperature, making it an important action in treatment.