"Bitter, biting cold" is one of the best ways I've heard a patient describe the Upper Midwest conditions conditions that left him hospitalized with frostbite. Living hither, we get pretty used to these bitter temps that caput our way each winter. Merely unfortunately, this familiarity can also be our downfall.

When nosotros don't properly ready for or respect the mighty winter elements, serious injuries like frostbite can and do happen – fast.

What is frostbite? How does it affect your pare and torso?

What's the outset thing that comes to mind when y'all call up of a skin fire? It's probable not "extreme cold" or "frostbite." Despite this, frostbite is really considered a type of fire that happens when the skin and tissues below it begin to freeze. It's ordinarily the result of peel existence exposed to temperatures beneath the freezing mark.

Depending on how serious frostbite is, at that place can be some long-term effects. For less serious cases, torso parts affected by frostbite may be more sensitive to the common cold. But sometimes, patients experience life-long numbness in these areas. And in severe cases, amputation is needed if claret flow to the peel is permanently blocked.

How long does it take for frostbite to set in?

The colder it gets, the faster you get frostbite. And when you add together current of air and water, the process speeds up even more. Every person and every state of affairs is different, but here are a few guidelines to know:

  • Once sub-goose egg temps hit, it takes about thirty minutes for exposed peel to go frostbite.
  • At 15 below with a little bit of wind, frostbite is possible inside 15 minutes.

Air current Chill Temperature and Frostbite Chart

The nautical chart below from the National Weather condition Service shows how long it might accept to develop frostbite at varying temperatures and current of air speeds.

Windchill chart

What are the symptoms of frostbite?

Your fingers, toes, olfactory organ, ears, cheeks, and chin are the nearly common places for frostbite. Here's what the showtime signs of information technology expect and experience like:

  • Your skin starts to become cold with a pins and needles sensation.
  • You have an increasing loss of feeling and numbness.
  • Your skin turns pale blueish or grayish.
  • Your pare feels stiff or rubbery to the touch.

Knowing these early symptoms can help you treat frostbite fast and have the all-time result.

In astringent cases of frostbite, blisters tin can develop after re-warming the peel and affected areas. In addition, your muscles and joints may stop working, and your skin can get dark majestic or black.

Frostbite prevention: preparation is key

Every wintertime, our Regions Infirmary Burn Center sees up to 60 patients come up in with frostbite injuries. Many times, the frostbite happened when these patients were out doing ordinary tasks that just didn't go as planned. Getting stranded in the cold in a stalled or wrecked vehicle tends to be a common situation. There are also quite a few people who get locked out of their house, or that sideslip exterior and can't get up after the fall.

With that said, do your best to limit trips outdoors when the temperature is beneath zero. But if you lot do take to leave, remember to be prepared by expecting the unexpected. Here are my meridian four tips:

  1. Dress (or pack) for success. Whether you're planning to spend the whole day outdoors or are simply heading to the grocery shop, make certain you're wearing (and/or bringing along) the right clothes. The best choices are dress made of wool, downwards or Thinsulate – all which prevent the loss of torso heat. And don't forget a warm hat, mittens and pair of boots. Recall you accept enough layers? Add ane or two more!
  2. Acquit your jail cell telephone with yous. Most of us do this anyway, but information technology'southward still a proficient reminder in case of an emergency situation. Don't presume you'll exist able to reach someone if don't accept a phone with you.
  3. Remain calm if you lot find yourself exposed to extreme cold. Fearfulness can cause sweating, which cools the body and can make you feel chilled. To get your blood moving and make body estrus, whirl your artillery around like a windmill. Merely be careful not to be so agile that you sweat.
  4. Know what to do if you lot get frostbite. Mild frostbite tin exist treated at home. Practise non rub or massage frozen skin – but rather soak the afflicted area in warm water (99-108 degrees) for xv to xxx minutes. If this doesn't seem to exist working (and/or your skin starts to cicatrice and pain increases), go to the Emergency Department.