How to protect yourself against frostbite during arctic chill
Doctors warn that the fingers, toes, ears and nose are most susceptible to frostbite in frigid temperatures.
More Stories
The frigid temperatures this weekend throughout the Hudson Valley brings concerns of frostbite.
"Anything below 32 degrees because that’s where the water in your body can start to freeze as well. So if water freezes at 32 and the temperature is less than that, prolonged exposure, even in the high 20s, can cause frostbite," says Dr. Frank Winski, of the Westchester Medical Center.
Doctors warn that the fingers, toes, ears and nose are most susceptible to frostbite in frigid temperatures.
RELATED: 8 winter skin care tips to help it stay healthy
Those who expect to be out in the cold should look out for warning signs. Doctors categorize frostbite by varying degrees:
First-degree frostbite can make affected areas pale and itching with some swelling.
A second-degree case will result in skin blisters, filled with pale colored fluid.
Worsening frostbite cases can include blisters filled with dark-colored fluid and, at its worst, frostbite will result in tissue loss, with bones and tendons exposed.
Winski has some advice to avoid frostbite.
"Get out of the cold. If clothing is wet, either from children playing in the snow or from perspiration, remove the wet clothing, dry the wet areas, start warming the patient, and in a lot of times we like to use water that's a little bit warmer than body temperature to help re-warm those areas that have been damaged," he says.
Experts also advise to dress accordingly to reduce one's chances of experiencing frostbite.
MORE WINTER SAFETY GUIDES:
25 tips to keep you safe during a winter storm
11 tips to protect your pets during winter storms and extreme cold
Interview with Dr. Frank Winski
