Explainer: Preventing frostbite in frigid temperatures (2024)

JACKSON, Wyo. — Temperatures dipped below 0 degrees last week, bringing potentially dangerous conditions for outdoors enthusiasts.

Skin exposed to serious windchill can develop frostbite quickly, sometimes in a matter of minutes, according to multiple health clinics. Frostbite is damage to skin and tissue caused by extreme cold, causing a loss of feeling and changes in color. Fingers, toes, ear lobes, the chin and the tip of the nose are most susceptible to frostbite.

According to the National Weather Service, frostbite danger increases as temperatures drop and wind speeds increase. Before heading out on a backcountry adventure, know the signs of frostbite onset and how to address it.

Detection

According to the Mayo Clinic, frostbite symptoms include cold skin and a prickling feeling, advancing to numbness. Skin can appear hard or waxy looking, and change color to red, white, bluish-white, grayish-yellow, purple, brown or ashen.

Per the clinic, frostbite can occur in stages beginning with the mildest form, frostnip. This will not cause permanent skin damage, and typically manifests as numbness and redness in the exposed skin. Pain and tingling might occur. Next in severity is superficial frostbite, which requires medical treatment. Changes in the skin color might be visible. Skin might sting or swell, or experience a “pins and needles” phenomenon. Spotty or peeling patches of skin can occur, as well as fluid-filled blisters.

Deep frostbite, the most severe stage, will affect deeper layers of the skin in addition to the underlying tissue. Skin will harden and turn black. It will feel like total numbness. This requires urgent medical treatment.

Treatment

According to the Cleveland Clinic, the following steps should be taken if frostnip occurs:

• Gently remove cold weather gear, like gloves or boots. Remove any jewelry near an affected area of skin. If clothing is wet, put on dry clothing.
• Place affected skin in a bath of warm (not hot) water. This will be a slow rewarming process that can take at least 30 minutes.
• Place blankets on affected area of skin. Don’t wrap blankets around skin because it could cut off circulation and prevent blood flow to affected tissues.
• Avoid applying heat directly to skin to prevent burns.

Those with signs of superficial or deep frostbite should seek professional treatment as soon as possible. Severe pain can occur as skin thaws.

Prevention

Frostbite is preventable. According to the Mayo Clinic, taking the following precautions can help prevent the condition:

• Dress in several layers of loose, warm clothing.Air trapped between the layers of clothing acts as insulation against the cold. Wear windproof and waterproof outer garments to protect against wind, snow and rain. Choose undergarments that wick moisture away from the skin. Change out of wet clothing — particularly gloves, hats and socks — as soon as possible.
• Wear a hat or headband that fully covers the ears.Heavy woolen or windproof materials make the best headwear for cold protection.
• Wear mittens rather than gloves.Mittens provide better protection. Or try a thin pair of glove liners made of a wicking material (such as polypropylene) under a pair of heavier gloves or mittens.
• Wear socks and sock liners that fit well, wick moisture and provide insulation.Consider hand and foot warmers as well. Be sure foot warmers don’t make boots too tight, restricting blood flow.
• Be prepared when traveling in cold weather. Carry emergency supplies and warm clothing in case of emergency. Share the intended route and expected return time with others.
• Don’t drink alcohol outdoors in cold weather.Alcoholic beverages cause the body to lose heat faster.
• Eat well-balanced meals and stay hydrated.Doing this even before going out in the cold will help the body stay warm.
• Keep moving.Exercise can get the blood flowing and help one stay warm, but don’t do it to the point of exhaustion.

Editor’s Note: Buckrail is not a medical journal. This article is intended as an introductory primer for those curious about frostbite. For more detailed information and guidance, please consult a physician. This article runs annually.