Winter Weather Brings Dangerous Conditions

1/4/2022 (Permalink)

When being exposed to the elements, you must wear multiple layers!

Isn’t it crazy how it can go from the 60s in December to 30 below in January? 

Yah. If you have been avoiding the cold, you might have noticed it’s become a real struggle in the past week or so. With the temperatures dipping lower the more you have to worry about protecting yourself from the blustery winter weather. One of the biggest concerns is when being exposed and getting frostbite... Or frost nipped... Wait, what is the difference?

Frostnip 

Frostnip is a mild form of frostbite which requires immediate action of reheating the skin. If you let frostnip untreated, it could worsen to the point of numbness in the affected area. When the skin gets reheated, expect to feel this tingling pain caused by the blood flowing throughout this area once again.

Frostbite

Most of the time, frostbite goes unnoticed because of the lack of feeling in the affected area. Most of the time, someone points out frostbite, and the best course of action is immediately to seek medical assistance before it worsens. There are two stages of frostbite, superficial and deep, which require immediate action for preventable measures. 

Superficial Frostbite

Superficial frostbite can discolor the skin tone to a dark blue or black shade if treated by reheating the skin, which should be done immediately upon notice. When the skin is reheated, you should know that it can look mottled with the chance of having stinging, burning, or swelling pain. It is also possible that once the skin is heated that a liquid blister could form between 12-36 hours after reheating.

Deep Frostbite

This form of frostbite is the most severe as it affects all layers of skin and tissue in the affected area. A good indicator of deep frostbite is discoloring of the skin, with the primary symptom being losing all sensation of cold, pain, or discomfort in the area. Large blisters should be expected to form 24 to 48 hours after rewarming. The biggest concern is the possibility of having the joints and muscles stop working, which leads to the area turning black and hard as it dies.  

Knowing What To Look For

If you notice any of these symptoms, you should seek medical attention immediately.

• Increased pain, swelling, inflammation in the affected area.
• Fever.
• The skin is hard, cold, or blotchy.
• In severe cases, the risk of developing hypothermia with the symptoms being intense shivering, slurred speech, drowsiness, and the loss of coordination. 

We at SERVPRO of Marshall, Columbia, and Sedalia want you to have a safe winter season. If you are spending some time out in the winter elements, be aware of when to return to safety.