
As the temperature drops, it’s important to know how to protect yourself from frostbite and hypothermia. These serious cold-related conditions can happen quickly, especially when your body loses heat faster than it can produce it. Understanding how to prevent them is crucial for your health and well-being during the colder months. Mid-State Health shares these essential tips to help avoid, spot, and treat both frostbite and hypothermia.
When exposed to extreme cold, individuals with poor circulation or those not dressed appropriately are at a higher risk for developing frostbite or hypothermia. To minimize the risks, try to stay indoors during extremely cold weather. If you do go outside, make sure to dress in layers and protect vulnerable areas such as your nose, ears, toes, cheeks, chin, and fingers with warm, dry clothing.
Frostbite occurs when skin and tissue freeze due to prolonged exposure to cold. Watch for signs such as redness, pain, white or grayish-yellow skin, firm or waxy skin, and numbness. Hypothermia can happen when your body temperature drops dangerously low and is a more serious condition requiring emergency medical care. Symptoms in adults include shivering, exhaustion, fumbling hands, memory loss, slurred speech, and drowsiness. Infants may show bright red, cold skin and very low energy. If you notice these symptoms, act quickly and seek medical care.
If immediate help isn’t available, get the person into a warm room, remove wet clothing, and gently warm the affected areas using body heat or warm water. Do not walk on frostbitten feet or rub the affected areas. Avoid using heating pads, heat lamps, stoves, fireplaces, or radiators to warm the skin, as these can cause further damage.
Know Who is at Risk:
Certain groups are more vulnerable to frostbite and hypothermia, including older adults without proper food, clothing, or heating, people who spend long periods outdoors (e.g., homeless, hikers, hunters), those who drink excessive alcohol or use drugs, and infants who are improperly dressed or sleeping in cold rooms.
Recognizing the signs early and taking precautions can prevent serious health problems. Stay warm and stay safe this winter.
About Mid-State Health Center
Mid-State Health Center delivers primary care and supportive services at locations in Bristol, Plymouth, and Lincoln, offering medical services, dental services, behavioral health counseling, physical and occupational therapy, imaging, infusion, recovery, and care management for the entire family. The mission of Mid-State Health Center is to provide sound primary health care to the community accessible to all regardless of the ability to pay.