Personalized Forecasts
A.M. Planner
Home & Garden
Health
Miscellaneous
New York, NY
Local Weather
My Recent Locations
-
New York, NY
69° RealFeel® 76° -
Miami, FL
81° RealFeel® 93° -
Los Angeles, CA
69° RealFeel® 72°
The dangers of frostbite: How to prevent, spot and treat it
When temperatures plummet and frigid conditions ensue, frostbite becomes a serious threat.
Frostbite is when a specific part of the body becomes frozen.
"The circulation becomes impaired and the water in your tissue freezes leading to tissue destruction," said Peter Shearer, M.D., Medical Director of Emergency Medicine at the Mt. Sinai School of Medicine.
In below-freezing temperatures, ice crystals can form in veins, blocking the flow of blood. This happens most often in fingers, the nose, ears, cheeks and/or chin, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Frostbite can permanently damage the body and, in extreme cases, lead to amputation.
A woman braves temperatures in the teens as she makes her way to the National Museum of African American History and Culture on the National Mall, Thursday, Dec. 28, 2017, in Washington. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)
People are most susceptible to frostbite if they suffer from pre-existing conditions that cause poor blood circulation.
Those who do not dress appropriately for cold weather are also at risk. In addition, anyone under the influence of alcohol or drugs that may not be aware of their level of exposure are at a greater risk, Shearer said.
At the first sign of redness to the skin or pain, seek indoor shelter. Frostbite could be occurring.
Signs of frostbite:
- Skin turns white or grey-ish yellow
- Waxy or firm-feeling skin
- Numbness
It usually takes someone else to point out frostbite, as the affected person will not feel it.
If frostbite is occurring, take these steps:
- Find warm shelter as soon as possible
- Do not walk on frostbitten feet or toes as it increases damage
- Do not rub or massage the affected area
- Immerse the affected area in warm water, or warm the area using body heat
- Don't use a heating pad, fireplace or radiator to warm the area as a numb area can easily be burned
- Place sterile gauze between any frostbitten toes or fingers
- Seek medical care
It is important to make sure the affected person is not suffering from hypothermia, which is a more serious condition and requires immediate medical attention.
RELATED:
Hypothermia: How to spot and prevent this cold weather danger
Constantly cold? These 5 medical conditions might be behind your persistent chill
5 ways your body combats cold weather's harsh impacts
Why your blood pressure can spike when it's cold outside
Frostbite can be prevented by taking proper precautions and dressing appropriately for cold conditions.
How to avoid frostbite:
- Avoid being in the cold for extended periods of time
- Be aware of the wind chill
- Wear appropriate layers
- Drink warm fluids, but avoid caffeine and alcohol
- Stay active to maintain body heat
- Take frequent breaks from the cold
For more safety and preparedness tips, visit AccuWeather.com/Ready.
Comments
Comments that don't add to the conversation may be automatically or manually removed by Facebook or AccuWeather. Profanity, personal attacks, and spam will not be tolerated.
More Weather News
-
Monsoon downpours to heighten flood threat across eastern, northern India through next week
Weather News - July 20, 2018, 7:18:55 AM EDT
An uptick in monsoon rainfall is expected to heighten the flood threat across eastern and northern India this weekend and early next week.
-
Heat to build, elevate fire danger in southwestern US next week
Weather News - July 20, 2018, 5:00:57 AM EDT
Near-record heat will set the stage for a heightened risk of wildfires in the southwestern United States, including Southern California, next week.
-
At least 11 dead after tour boat capsizes in Missouri lake amid severe weather
Weather News - July 20, 2018, 7:18:54 AM EDT
A boat carrying 31 people capsized on a lake near Branson, Missouri, as thunderstorms moved through the area on Thursday evening.
-
Photos: State of emergency declared in Marshalltown, Iowa, following damaging tornado
Weather News - July 20, 2018, 7:38:11 AM EDT
Severe thunderstorms tracked across Iowa on Thursday afternoon with several tornadoes touching down across the state.
-
Más propensa a mosquitos la costa este de los Estados Unidos
Weather News - July 19, 2018, 1:42:15 PM EDT
Se estima que la región puede ser de 2 a 3 veces más propensa que el resto de la nación
-
Damp weather may threaten NASCAR race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway on Sunday
Weather News - July 20, 2018, 3:01:07 AM EDT
After several dry days, the weather will take a downhill turn as NASCAR drivers gear up for the Foxwoods Resort Casino 301 in Loudon, New Hampshire, on Sunday.
-
Late-week severe storms, isolated tornadoes in Midwest to mark start of long-lasting cooldown
Weather News - July 20, 2018, 7:05:13 AM EDT
A change in the weather pattern will favor periodic bouts of wet and stormy conditions as well as unusually cool air at times for the Midwest for the duration of July.
-
Is Hawaii's Kīlauea volcano influencing locally excessive rainfall on the Big Island?
Weather News - July 19, 2018, 8:54:17 AM EDT
While it has long been known that volcanic eruptions can alter global climate patterns, less has been documented on the impacts of localized weather patterns following an increase in nearby activity.
TRENDING NOW
Photos: State of emergency declared in Marshalltown, Iowa, following damaging tornado
Severe thunderstorms tracked across Iowa on Thursday afternoon with several tornadoes touching down across the state.
Read Story
At least 11 dead after tour boat capsizes in Missouri lake amid severe weather
A boat carrying 31 people capsized on a lake near Branson, Missouri, as thunderstorms moved through the area on Thursday evening.
Read Story
AccuWeather.com
Custom Search