LEXINGTON, Ky. (March 2, 2015) -- After this record-setting stretch of extreme cold weather, most of us are ready for those warmer temperatures.
Compared to what we've dealt with recently, 28 degrees may seem balmy. But as long as the temperature is at or below 32 degrees, frostbite-- or its milder form, "frostnip" -- can still be an issue if proper precautions aren't taken.
What is frostbite?
When the temperature outside is at or below freezing (or when the wind is especially strong at a cooler temperature), the blood vessels in your skin constrict to preserve your core body temperature. Your extremities -- especially fingers and toes -- will feel the brunt of this, as well as your nose, ears, cheeks and chin. If you stay out in freezing temperatures for a long time, this reduced blood flow may become dangerously low.
Senior citizens and children are at the most risk for frostbite. Many seniors have certain medical conditions that compromise good blood flow, such as diabetes or atherosclerosis. Children naturally lose heat from their skin more quickly than adults, and usually spend more time outside playing, walking, or waiting for the bus.
If your clothes become wet while you're outside in cooler temperatures, get inside and change into dry clothes as soon as possible. Wet clothes draw heat away from the body quickly.
What are the symptoms of frostbite?
If you have been outside in colder temperatures and begin to notice these symptoms, it's time to head indoors to warm up:
· Skin color changes -- skin may turn red, white, or even a grayish color
· Affected skin feels prickly or numb
· A feeling of extreme cold or burning
How can I treat frostbite?
Call your doctor right away if you experience the above symptoms to a severe degree. There are four stages of frostbite, and the later stages require immediate medical intervention to prevent further damage.
If you notice any of the above symptoms, get into a warm room as soon as possible. Though it's tempting to immerse the affected areas in hot water or apply a lot of heat, this can actually burn numb, frostbitten skin because of the lack of sensation. Instead, use warm water, or cover the frostbitten area with warm blankets.
If sensation does not return with gentle rewarming, it's definitely time to seek medical attention.
It is very important that once you rewarm the affected area, keep it warm and do not re-expose the skin to cold temperatures again until seen by a doctor. “Re-freezing” of the skin leads to severe damage.
In short -- though we hope the worst of the cold weather is over, keep bundling up until winter is officially gone!
Dr. Seth Stearley is the Medical Director for the Emergency Department at UK HealthCare
This column appeared in the March 1, 2015 edition of the Lexington Herald-Leader.