Frostbite

     We talked a bit about the consequences of not dressing properly when the weather is very cold…namely frostbite. 

Signs and symptoms of frostbite include: 

• A slightly painful, prickly or itching sensation 
• Red, white, pale or grayish-yellow skin 
• Hard or waxy-looking skin 
• A cold or burning feeling 
• Numbness 
• Clumsiness due to joint and muscle stiffness 
• Blistering in severe cases

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Frostbite typically affects smaller, more exposed areas of the body, such as your fingers, toes, nose, ears, cheeks and chin. Because of area numbness, you may not realize you have frostbite until someone else points it out.

When to see a doctor

Seek medical attention for frostbite if you experience:

• Signs and symptoms of superficial or severe frostbite--such as white or pale skin,  loss of all sensation in the affected area, or blisters
• Increased pain, swelling, redness or discharge in the area that was frostbitten
• Fever of more than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degress Celsius)
• Dizziness, aching or feeling generally ill

   *All information from http://www.mayoclinic.com/