Monthly Health Articles Archive

Winter weather woes
Extreme temperatures can cause health risks

Arctic temperatures can create more than just red cheeks and cold feet – frigid weather can create dangerous health risks.  Staying inside as much as possible is one way to avoid exposure, but most of us need to continue with our regular routines of going to work, school and other commitments.  Taking precautions to protect yourself from frostbite is critical during cold spells like Iowa has experienced lately.

The first step is to cover up – even if you only plan to be outside for just a few minutes.  Cover all exposed skin, including hands, head, ears, neck and face.  Frostbite can damage the skin and result in a loss of feeling and a grayish color in affected areas. Frostbite is most commonly affects exposed skin and extremities such as the nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers, or toes. Frostbite can permanently damage the skin, causing scarring, and severe cases can lead to amputation. Signs of frostbite include a white or grayish-yellow skin area, skin that feels unusually firm or waxy, or numbness. A person is often unaware of frostbite until someone else points it out because the frozen tissues are numb.

Second, if you are outside for any length of time check yourself, others around you, and your children for signs of frostbite. If your skin shows signs of freezing, go into a warm place immediately.

Lastly, learn the proper way to help someone suffering from frostbite.  Many people’s natural response is to heat up the affected areas quickly using whatever heat source is the hottest.  This can actually be counterproductive and cause more damage.  If you believe that you or a family member have frostbite, avoid trying to warm up the skin with a heating pad, fire or radiator against it.  Instead, warm up the frozen skin with body heat by pressing it against skin of a normal temperature, such as putting cold hands or fingers in armpits.  Immerse the affected area in warm, but not hot water.  Unless it’s absolutely necessary, don’t walk on feet or toes that might be frostbitten, as it could increase the damage.  Don’t massage or rub the chilled skin.

All of these activities can help, but are not a substitute for professional medical care.  Frostbite and hypothermia are both serious health risks and should be evaluated by your health care providers.  It is especially important to seek medical attention if the skin does not quickly return to normal color or pain occurs and continues.

Being prepared for the elements, making smart choices and knowing what to do if frostbite occurs can all help keep you from turning into the Abominable Snowman on these frigid days.

-Dr. Mike Lampe is a family physician at Kossuth Regional Health Center