What are cold injuries?
Prolonged exposure to the cold can cause the body to lose heat and exposed skin may freeze. The body’s extremities, such as the ears, nose, fingers and toes, lose heat the quickest. When exposed, extremities are most susceptible to injury. Cold injuries include frostnip, frostbite and hypothermia. Note: Frostbite may occur by itself or along with hypothermia, which is the cooling of the whole body rather than the freezing of a specific part. Frostnip: A mild form of frostbite where only the skin freezes Signs and Symptoms: Skin appears yellowish or white, feels soft to the touch, and is painful, tingling or has a burning sensation. Treatment: Warm the area slowly using body heat, such as a warm hand, or warm water. Avoid direct or intense heat which can burn the skin and do not rub or massage the area. Frostbite: A more severe condition where both the skin and underlying tissue, such as fat, muscle, and/or bone, are frozen. Signs and Symptoms: Skin appears white and waxy and is hard to
