1. Cold Weather Exposure Influences Injuries
Outside temperature and internal heat flow throughout the body controls skin temperature. Prolonged exposure to cold weather, wind chills and outdoor moisture leads to heat loss. Other factors are constricted clothing and lack of insulation, which reduce circulation and warm blood flow to the body. Skin exposed to cold weather causes injury.
2. From the Outside In
Frostnip, frostbite and hypothermia are the common cold weather-related injuries. Frostnip freezes your skin's outer layer, especially on the cheeks, ear lobes, fingers and toes. Frostbite results when ice crystals form under the skin or on body parts, causing tissue damage. Hypothermia happens when your body's temperature drops below the normal temperature of 98.6 degrees.
3. Numbness Is a Red Flag
Symptoms of frostnip, frostbite and hypothermia include numbness in the fingers, face and toes. With frostbite, your skin turns white and feels "wooden," while frostnip causes your skin to feel waxy or rubbery. Hypothermia can be mild or severe, and symptoms include intense shivering, the inability to use your hands, the inability to walk, muscle weakness, a rapid pulse and irrational behavior.
4. Get Warm, Seek Help
If you are dealing with symptoms of frostnip or frostbite, then find relief by moving to a warm area and blowing warm air onto your extremities or other affected body parts. Another option is to warm up with water between 105 and 110 degrees F until the body returns to normal. Hypothermia treatment varies depending on its severity. Treat mild hypothermia by taking off any wet clothing in a warm area, having a hot decaffeinated or nonalcoholic drink and by using hot packs from a first aid kit. Severe hypothermia is life-threatening and requires hospital treatment. Emergency medical treatment includes the application of hot packs to the neck, armpits, sides, chest and groin. CPR may also be administered to blow warm air into the body. In cases of severe hypothermia, do not rub the skin or jostle the body because cardiac arrest may occur. Hot drinks should also be avoided because they can interfere with warm blood flow to the body's vital organs.
5. Prevent Cold Weather Mishaps
To stay safe and warm, layer yourself with loose-fitting clothing if you must be outside during extremely cold weather. Wear waterproof, insulated boots and cover your head, ears, face and hands with a hat, ear muffs, scarf and gloves. Carry extra gear such as socks, blankets, a thermostat and a thermos of hot liquid with you. Avoid caffeine and alcohol since they cause dehydration and raise the chance of developing cold weather-related injuries.
