The Cold is Here: Tips to Prevent Frostbite

1/7/2025

Hospital emergency departments in cities across the country see an increase in cases of weather-related trauma when temperatures plummet to record or near-record lows. Blasts of arctic air combined with long strings of cold days create a particular danger, especially to more vulnerable populations.

"Brutally cold temperatures may bring serious life changing consequences such as loss of limbs or even possibly a life," says Erma Johnmeyer, family nurse practitioner at Moberly Rural Health Clinic, which is a part of Moberly Regional Medical Center. “Physicians and first responders both agree that education is the first line of defense in the pursuit of preventing frostbite or frostnip in the majority of cases.”

One of the major causes of cold weather-related medical emergencies is frostbite. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), frostbite occurs when ice crystals form in veins, blocking the flow of blood. The body parts most commonly affected are the fingers, nose, ears and chin – likely because they are often the areas with most direct exposure. But experts warn that frostbite can happen even in body parts that are protected by clothing, and that patients may not react as quickly in these cases.

“When temperatures dip down to 0 to 5 degrees, frostbite or frostnip may occur quickly,” Johnmeyer said. “A false sense of security may occur due to wearing gloves, or boots, but in reality, the early signs of frostbite are numbness and tingling, therefore possibly going unnoticed are the pain or discoloration that goes along with frostbite until it is too late.”

Frostbite can permanently damage the body, and in extreme cases can lead to amputation. There are clear signs to look for in the progression toward frostbite:

• Frostnip is a milder form of freezing skin, where skin will appear somewhat pale or white, but is still soft to the touch. At this stage, move immediately indoors, and immerse affected body part(s) in lukewarm water – just above body temperature – until normal circulation and coloring return.
• Mild frostbite can present with red or yellowish skin, with a numb and/or burning sensation. This stage may respond to immersion in lukewarm water, but you should consider medical attention if skin doesn’t return to normal within a few minutes. Never immerse in hot water, and do not rub, massage or shake the injured skin, as more damage may result.
• If skin appears waxy or hard in texture, black-ish in color, or with any blistering, go immediately to the nearest emergency facility, as these are signs of severe frostbite with the potential for permanent damage.

As with any weather-related conditions, there are populations that are more vulnerable to injury or death. In the case of extreme cold, those populations include young children, the elderly, those who work outdoors, and those with medical conditions that cause poor blood circulation. Here are some things to consider to help protect your family, neighbors and community in the cold weeks ahead:

• Limit outdoor exposure to no more than 10-15 minutes at a time; take indoor breaks in between and check for proper circulation and skin color.
• Cover everything with climate-appropriate gear and clothing – pay particular attention to ears, noses, hands and feet.
• Check frequently for any changes in skin color, and for any loss of sensation on contact.
• Check for holes in boots or coats, and anywhere that moisture may enter and make contact with skin.
• Check on friends, family and neighbors, focusing especially on those who are elderly or infirm, and may not recognize early warning signs of exposure.
• Remember that kids are less likely to complain about cold, to avoid stopping their play and returning indoors.

Each year in the U.S., an average of 1,300 people die from exposure to excessive natural cold, and thousands more suffer lasting physical damage. Take precautions to avoid falling victim. In the event of a medical emergency, Moberly Regional Medical Center is committed to providing timely care.

For more information about emergency services at Moberly Regional Medical Center, visit https://www.moberlyregionalmedicalcenter.com/emergency-department.

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