In extreme cold, frostbite is a significant concern and can happen in just minutes.
Seniors, children, and people with poor circulation are at higher risk, but we should all take steps to avoid it.
Local 4 spoke with Dr. Rudy Valentini, the chief medical officer at the DMC and Children’s Hospital of Michigan, where they’ve already seen some patients with frostbite.
“It’s basically the tip of the nose, your ears, your fingertips, and your toes,” said Valentini. “Those are probably the biggest areas. Your cheeks, too, are potential areas of vulnerability.”
In extreme cold, the body tries to keep as much heat as possible flowing to the vital organs, meaning less blood is going to your fingers, toes, ears, and nose.
Frostbite occurs when the water in our skin freezes and forms crystals, damaging the skin cells and tissues.
Frostbite often occurs on uncovered skin, so cover any exposed skin.
Wet gloves or socks draw heat from the body faster, raising the risk for covered areas, too.
Frostbite can cause permanent damage, so limit time outside.
“Your fingers, toes, ears, nose, they get a little stiff. They might get a little, almost waxy and pale.
This would be an early sign of frostbite. You want to get inside. You want to slowly warm up the skin.
You don’t want to put anything hot on a potential frost but frostbitten area, so you want to take a warm washcloth and gently warm over 20 to 30 minutes.
If you’re having any significant frostbite whereby the skin is numb and tingling and is not responding, I would recommend that you go to a local emergency department and let somebody take a good look at your skin.”
Dr. Rudy Valentini, the chief medical officer at the DMC and Children’s Hospital of Michigan
Valentini says if you are caring for children or the elderly, it’s important to realize they may not recognize that they’re getting cold as quickly as they are.
If you don’t need to go out, stay inside, and if you go out, seek warmth indoors as soon as possible.
