Cold Weather
Each winter can bring extremely cold air that impacts many people in the United States. This very cold air, combined with winds, puts people at risk for frostbite that can lead to hypothermia within minutes. Exposed areas such as hands, feet, and face are the most at risk areas for frostbite.
What is Frostbite?
According to Mayo Clinic, Frostbite is an injury caused by freezing of the skin and underlying tissues. The impacted area will feel cold followed by numbness. This can occur on directly exposed skin, but can happen when wearing gloves and a hat too. Mild cases will get better with warming, but if any additional signs are there, seek medical help.
Frostbite Symptoms:
-
Numbness
-
Tingling
-
Different skin colors: red, white, blue, gray, purple, or brown depending on the seriousness
-
Cold, hard, or waxy looking skin
-
Joint stiffness
-
Pain
-
Blistering after rewarming
Stages of Frostbite
-
Frostnip:
Early stage of frostbite. Pain, tingling, and numbness are common. This stage does not cause permanent damage to the skin.
-
Mild to Moderate:
This stage causes slight changes in skin color and the area may feel warm. If treated with rewarming, the skin surface can look patchy. It may sting, burn or swell. A blister may also appear within 12 to 36 hours after rewarming.
-
Deep Frostbite:
As frostbite gets worse, it will impact all skin layers and the underlying tissues. Skin will turn white or bluish grey and large blood blisters can appear within 1 to 2 days from rewarming. Weeks after, the tissue may turn black and hard as it does.
When to Seek Help for Frostbite
What is Hypothermia?
Per the Mayo Clinic, Hypothermia occurs when the core body temperature drops below 95 degrees Fahrenheit and is considered a medical emergency. This happens when the body loses heat faster than it can make it and once it drops too low, the heart, nervous system, and other organs can't work normally which can lead to death.
Hypothermia Symptoms:
-
Shivering
-
Slurred speech or mumbling
-
Slow, shallow breathing
-
Weak pulse
-
Clumsiness or lack of coordination
-
Drowsiness or very low energy
-
Confusion or memory loss
-
Loss of consciousness
-
In infants, bright red, cold skin
Cold Weather Tips:
-
Wear multiple layers of loose, warm clothing.
-
Keep hands, head, ears, and feet warm and dry. Remove wet clothing in cold weather
-
If you start shivering, go indoors to warm up
-
Protect yourself from wind
Cold Weather Alerts
-
Extreme Cold Watch:
Be Prepared. This is issued when extremely dangerous cold conditions or wind chills are possible. Information is still preliminary and the exact areas that will be impacted are not yet known.
-
Extreme Cold Warning:
Take action! Extremely dangerous cold conditions or wind chills are expected or occurring. Avoid going outside, dress in layers, cover exposed skin, and make sure others know your whereabouts.
-
Cold Weather Advisory:
Issued for cold conditions that are not expected to reach warning criteria. Precautions should still be taken for the duration of the advisory.
References and More Information:
Staying Safe in Cold Weather (rush.edu)
Hypothermia Symptoms and Causes (mayoclinic.org)
Frostbite Symptoms and Causes (mayoclinic.org)
Cold Weather Safety (weather.gov)
