It's vital to protect your skin from cold-weather health dangers when the temperature drops below freezing. Frostbite is caused by prolonged exposure to cold temperatures, which causes the skin — and sometimes the tissue beneath the skin – to freeze. Frostbite can cause serious, perhaps permanent damage depending on how long and how frozen the tissue is.
To stay warm and prevent frostbite, follow these tips from dermatologists:
1. Layers should be loose, light, and comfortable. Warm air is trapped by wearing loose, light clothing. The first layer should be synthetic and wick sweat away from your body. Insulation should be the following layer. Wool and fleece are excellent insulators and retain body heat better than cotton. Windproof and waterproof should be the upper layers. During outdoor activities, a down parka and ski leggings can keep you dry and warm.
2. Keep your toes and feet safe. Wear two pairs of socks to protect your toes and feet. The first pair should be made of moisture-wicking fabric and worn adjacent to your skin. On top of that, wear a pair of wool or wool-blend socks. Your boots should also be warm enough to keep you warm. They should be water-resistant and long enough to cover your ankles. Make sure nothing is too tight because tight clothing might cause frostbite.
3. Keep your wits about you. Wear a strong wool or fleece cap to protect your ears and head. Cover your face with a scarf or face mask if you're outside on a severely chilly day. This warms the air you breathe and protects your nose and face from frostbite.
4. Protect your hands. Wear insulated mittens or gloves to help protect your hands from the cold.
5. Make sure there isn't any snow inside your boots or clothing. Frostbite is more likely to occur when clothing is wet. Make sure that snow cannot readily get inside your boots or clothing before venturing outside. If you start to sweat while outside, reduce your activity or unzip your jacket a little.
6. Maintain your hydration. Frostbite is more likely to develop if you become dehydrated. Drink at least one glass of water before going outside, even if you aren't thirsty, and always drink water or a sports drink before an outdoor workout. Additionally, avoid consuming alcohol because it increases your risk of frostbite.
7. Recognize the signs and symptoms. It's critical to notice the symptoms of frostbite early on, when it's most treatable. Redness and a stinging, burning, throbbing, or prickling sensation are the earliest indicators of frostbite, followed by numbness. If this happens, go inside right away.
If you have frostbite symptoms, try to gently reintroduce feeling to your body. Use warm water or a warm washcloth instead of rubbing frostbitten skin or submerging your hands or feet in hot water. Go to an emergency room right away if you don't feel any sensation returning to your body or if your skin starts to turn grey.