Winter weather safety: dressing appropriately and signs of frostbite
Every season requires some degree of preparation, whether it’s getting your home HVAC checked, switching out the tires on your car or moving around clothes in your closet. As winter approaches, it’s important to consider the challenges colder weather may bring to your everyday life.
Winter weather safety, including traveling, braving the outdoor environment and staying cozy in your home, is key to avoiding accidents and health risks. Prioritizing things like having appropriate attire, preventing slips and falls on the ice and knowing when something needs medical attention are essential winter safety tips.
Dressing for winter weather: Clothing essentials
Importance of layering
Depending on where you live, dressing in layers might be more common for some people than others. But when winter arrives, it’s generally smart to have layers available, whether you’re more likely to take some off or find yourself in a situation where you need more. Having layers of winter clothes helps regulate your body temperature and hold in warmth. It also provides added insulation to protect against cold winds, frostbite and hypothermia.
Choosing winter clothes
Teenage boys seem to be OK with wearing shorts and a T-shirt all year, but choosing the right winter clothes is critical for safety in cold weather. Ideally, moisture-wicking fabrics, insulating layers, waterproof coats and gloves help maintain dryness and warmth. Hats, scarves and extra socks can help prevent cold-related injuries.
Footwear considerations
When it’s icy out, the risk of slips and falls increases, highlighting the importance of proper winter footwear and winter clothing. Look for waterproof boots that are insulated and have nonslip soles for better traction. Consider spikes if you’re a hiker or outdoor athlete in the winter.
Winter safety tips for extreme cold
Limit exposure time
While most people don't enjoy being out in the cold for long periods, be mindful of how long your body is exposed to extreme temperatures. Staying in the cold can lead to frostbite and hypothermia, which are dangerous health risks. If you do need to be outside, like when you’re shoveling your driveway, take breaks to go inside and warm up and be sure to wear appropriate layers.
Stay active but avoid sweating
Being physically active is great for overall health, but there are some nuances in the winter. If you’re active outside, try minimizing sweating, as this cools your body temperature and can increase your risk of hypothermia. This is one reason why we recommend moisture-wicking clothes and layers.
Check the weather forecast
Winter weather is generally cold, but how cold it gets can fluctuate. Check the forecast in the morning so you can adequately prepare for changes in temperature, wind chill, icy conditions and blizzards.
Recognizing the signs of frostbite
Early signs of frostbite
Frostbite happens when your skin and underlying tissues freeze due to prolonged exposure to cold temperatures. You're most likely to get frostbitten toes, fingers, ears or nose, so it's important to keep these areas especially well-protected when you're out in the cold.
Early signs of frostbite can include:
- Numbness
- Tingling
- Pale skin
- Waxy-looking skin
Advanced frostbite symptoms
Untreated frostbite can cause tissue damage, and in severe cases, it may result in permanent loss of affected body parts. Here are some of the advanced frostbite signs and symptoms:
- Complete numbness in the affected area
- Hard, frozen skin that may feel solid
- Blisters filled with clear or bloody fluid
- Skin turning dark purple or black
- Loss of movement in affected body parts
- Severe swelling
- Gangrene (tissue decay)
- Cold, hard or discolored extremities that are unresponsive to warmth
What to do if you suspect frostbite
Immediate actions
If you think you have frostbite, you should find a warmer environment as soon as possible. Using your own body heat or body heat from another, warm clothes, blankets, or warm (not hot) water, try to warm up the affected area gently. Be careful not to rub the area, which can damage underlying tissues. If you have wet clothing or shoes, remove them and replace them with dry ones.
Seeking medical attention
Frostbite requires urgent action to restore warmth to the affected areas and prevent further damage. Seek medical attention immediately for severe frostbite, especially if your skin turns black or blistered.
Our caring staff is ready and available to assist with your urgent winter medical needs. Whether you suspect frostbite, have a slip-and-fall injury or are experiencing other cold-weather health concerns, we’re here to help. Find a facility near you.
Protect yourself from winter’s harsh elements
Winter can be a beautiful time of the year, but it’s important to be aware of its unique health risks. Staying prepared for anything, ranging from an unexpected ice storm to being stuck in the cold with car trouble, is essential to minimize your risk of frostbite and other cold weather problems.
Sources
- Mayo Clinic. (2024). Frostbite. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/frostbite/symptoms-causes/syc-20372656
- American Academy of Dermatology Association. (2024). How to prevent and treat frostbite. Available from: https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/injured-skin/burns/prevent-treat-frostbite
