What is the purpose of blotting the thawed frostbite area with a towel?

Blotting the thawed frostbite area with a towel serves primarily to absorb excess moisture. After thawing, the affected skin can be quite wet and sensitive. Gently blotting helps to remove this moisture without rubbing the delicate skin, which could potentially cause further damage. Maintaining the area as dry as possible is important to prevent complications and uphold skin integrity during the healing process.

In the context of frostbite treatment, other actions such as stimulating blood flow, applying pressure, or preventing infection may be important, but the specific action of blotting focuses on managing moisture, which directly aids in the healing environment for the affected tissues.