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Journal Standard

Cold enough for you? This typical Midwest winter greeting pretty much sums up this weeks weather, but it should serve as a reminder, too it can be too cold.

As the temperature plunges and cold winds blow, so does the risk of frostbite. Skin exposed to extreme cold can develop frostbite in as little as five minutes, said FHN Podiatrist Roland Tolliver. Fingers in gloves and toes in boots can develop frostbite, too.

Though frostbite can happen to anyone, some conditions can make a person more susceptible: if you have diabetes, take blood thinners or smoke, your circulatory system may not work as efficiently or you may suffer from neuropathy, which means you have lost some feeling in your extremities. Poor circulation and neuropathy put you at higher risk for developing frostbite.

Skin that is cold and wet, like fingers in damp gloves and toes in wet socks, is even more susceptible to frostbite.

Danger Signs

Dr. Tolliver said one of the first signs of frostbite can be skin that is itchy, burnsor is numb. The skin also may turn white or greyish yellow, and as more damage occurs, feel waxy or hard. At its most severe, frostbite can cause blistering and even gangrene.

If you notice any of the signs of frostbite, go inside or get warmed up as quickly as possible.

Once you are in where its warm, remove any wet clothing and look closely at the affected area. You might see red skin and feel some pain or numbness. As you warm up, you may notice the area feels tingly that means the circulation is returning.

You can help speed the warming process by soaking the affected area in lukewarm not hot water. (The water temperature should be between 105-110 F.) Soak the area until the skin is back to its normal color and you dont feel any numbness.

A warm beverage like tea or cocoa can help you feel warmed up, too, but avoid any alcoholic beverages while your body is recovering from the cold. If you are feeling pain, an over-the-counter pain reliever may help.

If your pain increases or your skin doesnt return to its normal color, bundle up (in dry clothes leave the soggy gloves and boots behind) and head for the emergency department for medical attention.

Warm and dry

If youre planning to spend a lot of time outside in the cold, you probably know to wear long underwear and a turtleneck to help keep you warm.

Well-planned layers can help prevent frostbite, too: wear a thin pair of socks to pull moisture away from your feet underneath a thicker pair of socks for warmth. If you know youll be handling wet snow, wear waterproof gloves or layer pairs to keep your fingers as dry as possible.

Hand warmers and other gadgets to tuck in your pockets or shoes are easy to find this time of year, but people with poor circulation or who have lost some feeling in their extremities should be cautious using these items: if you cant feel your fingers or toes getting too cold, you likely wont be able to tell if they get too warm, either, and that can cause tissue damage, too.

The key to staying safe from frostbite, Tolliver said, is just to be aware of any signals your body may be sending. Take a warm-up break from shoveling or sledding when you need one with these temperatures, the snow isnt going anywhere!

Roland Tolliver, DPM, FACFAS, is a podiatrist at FHN. Hear more of his Dial-a-Doc interview on this topic at http://www.fhn.org/newsradio.asp.

Read more here:
FHN Health Column: Be careful in the cold protect your skin from frostbite - Freeport Journal-Standard

This entry was posted on February 14, 2021 at 7:15 pm and is filed under Neuropathy. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed. |