Health Alert: Wind Chill and Frost Bite Advisory

Although the snowfall has now stopped, the blizzard conditions are far from over. New Jersey is entering a frigid 48-hour period that started Thursday night. Temperatures are expected to drop into single digits through Sunday, but with wind gusts 35 to 45 mph along the Jersey Shore, it will feel well below zero.

The combination of the bitter cold and hurricane-like winds can be dangerous and although many may feel eager to get outside to start clearing the snow, it’s important to recognize the signs of cold injury and how to prevent it. There are three degrees of cold injury: frostnip, superficial frostbite and deep frostbite. Frostbite is caused when body tissue — usually exposed body parts away from your core like fingers, toes, ears or nose — freeze due to prolonged exposure to cold and a low wind-chill factor.

Vikram M. Varma, MD, MBA, FACEP, Chair of the Emergency Department at Community Medical Center, an RWJBarnabas Health facility, cautions individuals to avoid exposure to frigid temperatures, “Frostbite can result in permanent damage to affected tissues,” said Dr. Varma, “In extreme cases, frostbite may lead to amputation of affected areas.”

Know the Symptoms

Frostnip is a mild form of frostbite where only the skin freezes. Signs of frostnip include:

• Skin that appears yellowish or white but feels soft if touched
• Painful tingling or a burning sensation
• A "pins and needles" feeling followed by numbness
• Hard, pale and cold skin
• Aching or throbbing
• Lack of sensation; you may not feel the affected body part if someone touches you there.
• Red and painful as the skin thaws

Signs of superficial frostbite include:

The longer the exposure, the worse frostbite will get. Severe frostbite affects all layers of the skin and the tissue beneath. Signs of severe frostbite include:

• Blisters
• Gangrene (blackened, dead tissue)
• Damage to tendons, muscles, nerves and bone

Dr. Varma warns that those with signs of superficial or deep frostbite should seek immediate emergency medical help. “And unless absolutely necessary, do not walk on frostbitten feet or toes, this will just increase the damage. Do not rub or massage the area, either, as this can cause more damage as well,” said Dr. Varma. “And although it may be your first instinct, do not use a heating pad, fireplace or radiator for warming since the affected areas are likely numb, it can be burned easily.”

“To treat frostbite at the first signs, move to a warm location as fast as possible and soak the affected area in warm, not hot, water,” said Dr. Varma. “Or you can warm the affected area using body heat. For example, frostbit fingers can be warmed under your armpits.”

In frigid conditions hypothermia can also occur. Hypothermia is a significant drop in body temperature caused by extended exposure to freezing temperatures. Hypothermia occurs when your body begins to lose heat faster than it can be produced. Signs of hypothermia include: stiff muscles, puffy face, slurred speech, uncontrollable shivering, slowed breathing, poor physical condition and mental confusion. If these symptoms are present, call 911 immediately.

Tips for Preventing Frostbite and Hypothermia

With the bitter cold expected this weekend, Dr. Varma recommends people to stay indoors, but if you must go outside, dress smart – wear mittens, not gloves, wear wind-proof, water-resistant, and layered clothing, wear two pairs of socks, cover your ears, cover your head with a hat or scarf to avoid substantial heat loss through the scalp.

About Community Medical Center

Community Medical Center, an RWJBarnabas Health facility, is dedicated to advancing the quality of life and health of the greater Ocean County region. Community Medical Center is a fully accredited acute care hospital and maintains national accreditations in multiple specialty areas. Highly sophisticated services, not typically found in a community hospital, include advanced cancer, cardiac, emergency, maternity and neurology care, as well as cutting edge surgical care. Access to advanced radiologic technology, the daVince Xi robotic surgical platform, and one of the most sophisticated linear accelerators used for radiation therapy and a CyberKnife for treating inoperable tumors is also offered. Community Medical Center provides a broad spectrum of health and wellness programs designed to help people achieve healthy lifestyles and optimal health. Visit rwjbh.org/community for more information.