In cold weather, blood vessels near the skin constrict to protect the core body temperature. When your body is exposed to the cold for a long period of time, blood flow to your hands, feet, nose and ears can be severely restricted. The combination of poor circulation and extreme cold to these body parts can lead to frostbite (mild or severe).

Mild frostbite symptoms may include yellowish or white skin that is still soft to the touch. Skin may turn red during the warming process, but normal colour returns once the area is warmed. 

What to Do

If you suspect mild frostbite, it can be treated in two ways: passive warming and active warming. 

Passive Warming

Passive warming can be done by moving to a warmer room, wrapping yourself in blankets or reheating your body by skin-to-skin contact with another person.

Active Warming

Active warming can be done along with passive warming. Add heat directly to the frostbitten area, thawing the skin as quickly as possible without burning yourself. Place injured skin in water that is just above body temperature. Do not rub, massage or shake the injured skin because it can cause more damage.

Severe Frostbite

Severe frostbite can cause permanent nerve damage to body tissue if not treated immediately. Symptoms may include discolouration and blackening of skin and loss of feeling and blisters in the affected area. If the skin is broken and becomes infected, gangrene can set in which can result in loss of limbs. 

Important: severe frostbite needs immediate medical attention.

While waiting for medical attention, treat the area with passive and active warming.

Hypothermia occurs when there is a sustained decrease in normal body temperature (37°C). There are three stages of hypothermia. Advanced stages of hypothermia can be life-threatening.

Stage 1

Cause: occurs when body temperature drops 1 to 2 degrees Celsius

Symptoms: shivering, goosebumps, numbness of extremities (hands, feet, fingers and toes), quick and shallow breathing, feeling tired and/or sick to your stomach

What to Do: find shelter, keep your muscles moving, dry and slowly warm your body, drink warm liquids, don't fight shivering, this is how your body warms

Stage 2

Cause: occurs when body temperature drops 2 to 4 degrees Celsius

Symptoms: strong shivering, uncoordinated muscles, slow and laboured movements, mild confusion, paleness, lips, ears, fingers or toes turn blue, inability to touch your thumb to the little finger of the same hand

What to Do: Call 911. This is a medical emergency. While waiting for help, find shelter, keep muscles moving, drink warm fluids

Stage 3

Cause: occurs when body temperature drops 5 degrees Celsius or more

Symptoms: shivering stops, trouble speaking, thinking and walking, loss of memory, exposed skin becomes blue and puffy, difficulty moving muscles, irrational behaviour, slowed pulse and breathing

What to Do: Call 911. This is a medical emergency. While waiting for help, find shelter, keep muscles moving, drink warm fluids

• On sunny days wear sunglasses, lip balm and sunscreen to protect your skin from UV rays and keep it moisturized to help prevent windburn
• Wear a face mask and goggles if you are participating in winter activities

• When it’s cold, drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated
• Avoid caffeine, which can cause you to become dehydrated

• Drinking alcohol in the cold can increase your risk of getting hypothermia
• If you are taking medication or have a health condition, ask your healthcare provider if it increases your health risk in the cold and follow their recommendations

• Keep moving to keep your blood flowing and maintain your body heat

• Know the weather conditions and pay attention to Environment and Climate Change Canada weather alerts - when it's very cold, limit time spent outdoors
• Winterize your home