Spending time outside in cold temperatures can have a negative effect on one’s health if proper precautions are not taken. Two such risks are frostbite and hypothermia. To protect yourself and your loved ones, it’s essential to understand these health conditions and how to prevent them.

Understanding Frostbite and Hypothermia

Frostbite

Frostbite is a type of injury that causes a person to lose feeling and color in affected body parts due to freezing. Commonly affected extremities include the nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers and toes. Frostbite can cause permanent damage, with the most severe cases resulting in amputation.

Symptoms

• Skin discoloration (often white or grayish-yellow)

• Burning or tingling sensations

• Partial or complete numbness of the affected area

• Skin that feels unusually firm or waxy 

Hypothermia

Hypothermia can occur when one’s body core temperature falls below 95 degrees Fahrenheit. It is typically caused by exposure to extreme cold but may also happen after being in frigid water.

Symptoms

• Shivering

• Exhaustion

• Confusion

• Loss of coordination

• Slurred speech

• Drowsiness

Ways to Prevent Frostbite and Hypothermia

Use the following tips to help prevent frostbite and hypothermia:

• Always check the weather before heading out. 

• Limit your time outside if weather conditions are cold, wet or windy.

• Pay attention to weather alerts, such as extreme cold warnings. 

• Wear breathable, protective layers of clothing.

• Wear a hat, scarf, mittens, thick socks and waterproof boots if you must go outside in extreme cold. 

• Avoid drinking alcohol before or during exposure. Alcohol may prevent you from noticing warning signs that you are too cold.

• Get out of the cold if your skin appears red or you experience any pain.