Frostbite

Frostbite is a major concern as dangerously cold temperatures hit the tri-state area. News 12 Storm Watch Team Meteorologist Addison Green says early ...

Remaining Time 0:00 Green says there is a difference between some of the early signs of frostbite and when hospitalization would be required. Current Time 0:00

WORCESTER, Mass. - With the extreme cold air and a wind chill warning in effect across Massachusetts, Saint Vincent Hospital Chief of Medicine Dr. George ...

"We want to do that before we see skin color changes of any sort, or even blackening of the tips of our fingers from long exposure, which is really loss of tissue at that point in time." Abraham said people should stay indoors if possible, but if you do have to go outside, dress warm in multiple layers, wear a hat, a scarf to cover your face and mouth, warm boots and gloves. George Abraham is warning people about the dangers of frostbite.

Make sure you avoid frostbite when heading outdoors in cold weather.Symptoms include pain and redness of the skin.

You want to layer up,” said Dr. “You want to be layered. I’ve lived in New York for 40+ years and – you know – it goes back to when we were kids.

Frigid temperatures have descended upon our region. For those winter sports diehards who brave the sub-zero temperatures, frostbite is a real risk.

Remove your wet clothing as soon as you safely can, and move to a warm and dry location. The innermost layer right next to your skin should be a wicking material like polypropylene, polyester, or synthetic wool. This metric tells you how long it will take you to develop frostbite on your face under specific wind and temperature conditions. Chemical hand and foot warmers can be helpful, but avoid skin-protecting emollients because they actually increase your risk of frostbite. The outermost layer should be breathable but should also protect against wind and rain. You probably will have skin loss and may even suffer damage to the underlying muscle and bone. A study of members of the U.S. The middle layers should be either fleece or wool to insulate you. Though common, the exact frequency of frostbite injuries in most winter sports is not known. If it is superficial, your skin will be numb and red. If you develop frostnip, your skin may feel numb, turn pale or red, or have ice crystals on its surface. It can happen when your skin temperature falls below –0.5°C due to cold air exposure, or when your skin comes into contact with a cold substance like metal, gasoline, stove fuel, ice, or alcohol.