The polar vortex creates a danger of frostbite: protect yourself

(HealthDay) – Minus 29 Fahrenheit in Fargo, minus 28 in Minneapolis, minus 13 in Des Moines.

An expert warns that frostbite can quickly hit exposed skin, while many temperatures are expected in the country.

"With wind chills approaching single-digit numbers and below zero, it is possible to develop frostbite with a progressive progression of frostbite in exposed areas in just 20 to 30 minutes," said Dr. Robert Glatter, Emergency Physician .

Frostnip is the first step of frostbite. At this point, the skin becomes red and irritated, but there is no permanent damage, said Glatter, who practices at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York.

"You can treat mild cases of natural frostbite by simply warming the skin with warm water," he said. However, "severe frostbite requires immediate medical attention as it can cause permanent damage to the skin, underlying tissue, bones and muscles, as well as complications, including infections and nerve damage", warned Glatter.

In case of severe frostbite, the skin and tissues just below freeze. According to the Mayo Clinic, frostbite initially gives a feeling of warmth to the skin, but as it progresses, numbness sets in and the joints and muscles stop working. In severe cases, the frozen tissues become hard and black and die.

Frostbite and frostbite tend to affect smaller, more exposed areas of the body, such as the nose, fingers, toes, ears, cheeks and chin, Glatter said.

"The small blood vessels that feed these areas are more susceptible to frostbite," he said.

Some people are more likely than others to suffer from frostbite, which means the exposure time may be even longer, he noted. Smokers, diabetics or peripheral vascular disease, as well as people taking heart medications called beta-blockers, are smokers.

"Diabetics with neuropathy may not be able to feel their feet and therefore remain at high risk of frostbite on their feet and hands," said Glatter.

And if you have frostbite?

"Do not put a frozen end in hot water before arriving at the emergency department, unless the initial care and treatment are delayed," said Glatter.

"In general," he said, "it is advisable to let the emergency department personnel begin the warming process as it can result in greater damage to the extremities as well as a larger drop in central temperature if they are not done properly. "

Of course, the best way to stay away from cold weather is to stay indoors where it's hot. But if you have to go out, dress appropriately.

Glatter said: "It is very important to dress in layers," and keep your head and face well covered, as this is an area of ​​significant risk of heat loss and frostbite. At the same time, it is also important to pay extra. pay attention to shoes and type of socks to reduce the risk of frostbite. "

In addition, "wearing warm woolen gloves or mittens is essential and wearing two pairs of thick woolen socks and well-insulated boots reduces the risk of developing frostbite," he said. .

Even your eyes are threatened by icy explosions.

"At sub-zero temperatures, contact lenses can freeze on the cornea, which makes it difficult to remove them," said Glatter. "It is advisable to wear goggles to isolate the eyes and keep the heat, to reduce the risk of lens freezing on the surface of the cornea," he said.

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