SUNDAY, Jan. 5, 2003 (HealthDayNews) -- Skiing and skating are two activities that make winter a great season for outdoor recreation. Just make sure frostbite doesn't gnaw away at your enjoyment.
Frostbite strikes when your skin and underlying tissue, including fat, muscle and bone, become frozen due to exposure to extreme cold, says a fact sheet on cold injuries from Environment Canada.
When you suffer frostbite, the skin will appear white and waxy, feel hard to the touch, and be numb.
Your body's extremities -- ears, nose, fingers and toes -- lose heat the fastest, and are especially susceptible to frostbite. However, it can hit any part of your body if you don't take the proper precautions.
First, pay attention to weather reports. The combination of cold temperatures and wind chill can create conditions where exposed skin freezes within minutes, Environment Canada says.
The Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh reminds parents that kids are at greater risk of frostbite because children lose heat from their skin faster than adults. The hospital offers the following advice on frostbite prevention for children and adults:
- Wear layers of warm clothing. The inner layer should be material, such as polypropylene, that moves moisture away from the skin. It shouldn't fit so tightly that it impedes circulation.
- The second layer should be loose clothing that resists dampness and maintains body temperature. That layer should then be topped with a moisture- and wind-resistant coat, along with a hat, scarf, and mittens or gloves.
- While you're outside, do regular checks for signs of frostbite. And stay dry. Wet clothes increase the rate at which your body loses heat.
More information
For more tips on how parents can protect their children from frostbite, visit KidsHealth.org.
