When temperatures drop below freezing, your body works harder to stay warm. Without proper protection, exposure to extreme cold can lead to hypothermia and frostbite, two serious conditions that can happen faster than most people realize. According to the CDC, hypothermia can begin when your body temperature falls below 95°F, and frostbite can develop in as little as 30 minutes in freezing weather.
At Keystone Rural Health Consortia, we provide primary care and preventive health services to help individuals and families stay safe year-round. Our medical team educates patients on recognizing the signs of cold-related illnesses and how to act quickly when the body is exposed to freezing conditions.
If you experience prolonged cold symptoms or notice any changes in your skin after cold exposure, our medical team is here to help.
Understanding how to recognize symptoms early and take preventive measures can make all the difference during the coldest months.
Understanding Hypothermia and Frostbite
Both hypothermia and frostbite occur when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it. Although related, they affect different parts of the body and progress at different rates.
What Is Hypothermia?
Hypothermia happens when your core body temperature drops below 95°F (35°C). Prolonged exposure to cold air, water, wind, or wet clothing can cause your body to lose heat faster than it’s generated.
Common hypothermia symptoms include:
- Persistent shivering or feeling unusually cold
- Confusion, slurred speech, or drowsiness
- Weak pulse or slow breathing
- Loss of coordination or clumsiness
- Skin that feels cold or looks pale and blue
Severe hypothermia is a medical emergency and can lead to unconsciousness, heart failure, or death if not treated quickly.
What Is Frostbite?
Frostbite occurs when skin and underlying tissues freeze due to exposure to extreme cold. It most commonly affects fingers, toes, nose, ears, and cheeks, areas farthest from the heart.
Common frostbite symptoms include:
- Cold, numb, or tingling skin
- White, grayish-yellow, or bluish patches on the skin
- Hard, waxy, or blistered areas
- Loss of sensation in affected areas
If left untreated, frostbite can cause permanent tissue damage and, in severe cases, may require amputation.
Causes and Risk Factors
Both conditions share common risk factors, but understanding why they happen helps in prevention.
Environmental Factors
- Wind chill: Even if the air temperature is above freezing, wind can rapidly remove heat from exposed skin.
- Wet conditions: Water conducts heat away from the body 25 times faster than air.
- Inadequate shelter or clothing: Lack of insulation or staying outdoors too long in cold, damp weather.
Health and Lifestyle Factors
- Age: Infants and older adults are more vulnerable.
- Certain medical conditions: Diabetes, heart disease, or poor circulation, increase risk.
- Alcohol or drug use: These can impair judgment and accelerate heat loss.
- Fatigue and dehydration: Reduce your body’s ability to regulate temperature effectively.
Dressing Appropriately for Extreme Cold Weather
Wearing the right clothing is your first line of defense against hypothermia and frostbite. The goal is to trap heat, stay dry, and block wind.
Layering Basics
- Base Layer (Inner): Moisture-wicking fabric like wool or synthetic blends to keep sweat away from skin.
- Middle Layer (Insulation): Fleece or down to trap body heat.
- Outer Layer (Protection): Waterproof and windproof coat or shell to guard against snow and wind.
Additional Protection
- Cover extremities: Wear insulated gloves or mittens, a hat, scarf, and waterproof boots.
- Avoid tight clothing: Restrictive garments reduce circulation, increasing frostbite risk.
- Change wet clothes promptly: Even slightly damp fabric increases heat loss dramatically.
Proper clothing choices can prevent hypothermia and reduce the likelihood of frostbite, especially during outdoor work, recreation, or emergencies.
The Importance of Staying Dry and Avoiding Prolonged Exposure
Moisture and wind are two major contributors to cold-related injuries. To stay safe:
- Keep dry: Carry extra socks, gloves, and layers if outdoors for long periods.
- Seek shelter frequently: Limit outdoor exposure, especially during strong winds or heavy snow.
- Avoid alcohol: It gives a false sense of warmth and speeds up heat loss.
- Eat and hydrate: Warm fluids and nutritious food provide energy to maintain body heat.
Remember, even mild temperatures can be dangerous if your body remains wet and exposed to wind for extended periods.
First Aid Steps for Hypothermia and Frostbite
If you or someone near you shows signs of hypothermia or frostbite, act immediately.
First Aid for Hypothermia
- Move the person to a warm, dry place.
- Remove wet clothing and replace it with warm, dry layers.
- Cover the head and neck with blankets.
- Warm the center of the body first (chest, neck, and groin) using warm compresses or body heat.
- Give warm, sweet fluids if the person is conscious—avoid alcohol or caffeine.
- Seek emergency medical care if shivering stops, confusion increases, or breathing slows.
First Aid for Frostbite
- Move indoors immediately.
- Avoid rubbing or massaging the affected area—it can damage frozen tissue.
- Soak the area in warm (not hot) water for 15–30 minutes.
- Protect the area with loose, dry bandages.
- Keep fingers or toes separated with gauze.
- Do not walk on frostbitten feet or toes.
- Seek medical attention as soon as possible.
If both conditions occur simultaneously, focus on treating hypothermia first, as it is life-threatening.
When to Seek Emergency Medical Care
Immediate care is critical when:
- The person is unconscious or not shivering
- Body temperature is below 95°F (35°C)
- Skin is blistered, blackened, or hardened
- There are signs of confusion, slurred speech, or shallow breathing
If you suspect hypothermia or frostbite, call 911 or visit your nearest emergency department.
For milder symptoms, schedule a visit with your primary care doctor near me to evaluate lingering cold-related injuries or skin changes.
Preventing Hypothermia and Frostbite: Key Takeaways
- Dress in layers and protect exposed skin.
- Stay dry and avoid prolonged exposure to cold and wind.
- Recognize early warning signs like shivering, numbness, or confusion.
- Keep emergency supplies (blankets, extra clothes, hand warmers) in your car during winter.
- Never ignore mild symptoms; early action prevents severe outcomes.
Prevention is always better than treatment. Most cold-related emergencies can be avoided with awareness and preparation.
Stay Warm, Stay Safe, Stay Informed
Winter brings both beauty and risk. Understanding how to recognize and prevent hypothermia and frostbite empowers you to protect yourself and your loved ones when temperatures fall. Quick action and smart preparation can make all the difference between a minor chill and a life-threatening emergency. At Keystone Rural Health Consortia, we’re committed to helping our communities stay healthy in every season. Our dedicated care team provides primary care services, preventive health education, and treatment for cold-related conditions.
Don’t wait until symptoms worsen! Protect yourself and those you love this winter. To stay safe and healthy all season long, reach out to Keystone Rural Health Consortia at (814) 486-1115 to schedule your appointment with our care team.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can mild hypothermia go away on its own?
Mild cases may improve with warming and hydration, but medical evaluation is still recommended to prevent relapse or hidden complications.
Is frostbite permanent?
Early frostbite can heal completely, but deep tissue damage may lead to scarring or loss of sensation if not treated promptly.
What temperature causes frostbite?
Frostbite can develop in below-freezing conditions, especially with wind chill or dampness.
How can I prevent hypothermia while outdoors?
Dress in warm layers, stay dry, eat well, and limit time in freezing weather. Always check the forecast before going out.
Where can I get medical help for frostbite or hypothermia?
Residents of Elk, Cameron, and McKean counties can contact Keystone Rural Health Consortia for expert care and preventive guidance.
