Whether you are a lover of colder temperatures or merely someone who tolerates the winter season, it is important that you know how to properly protect your body from exposure to cold temperatures. All too often we underestimate the impact that frigid temperatures can have on our bodies. In fact, it is possible for skin to become frostbitten in under 10 minutes when temperatures are below freezing and there are high winds.
Many people do not know this and often times they place their bodies in danger when they venture out into cold weather. Let’s make sure that we take the proper steps to prevent frostbite to ensure the health of our bodies as we bare the frigid temperatures this winter.
Keep Warm
Even if you only expect to be outside in cold temperatures for a short period of time, it really doesn’t take long for skin to become frostbitten. It is always better to be safe rather than sorry when dealing with frigid temperatures. Invest in quality winter outdoor wear as well as warm flannel and wool undergarments to ensure that your body has the proper layers and protection to prevent painful frostbitten skin.
Stay Dry
Wet conditions of any type make your body more prone to frostbite. This is especially true for people that enjoy being active in colder temperatures. Oftentimes, we make the mistake of thinking that because we are in constant motion that the generation of body heat will prevent frostbite. This is not always the case, especially if there is sweating involved.
If you are someone that enjoys being active in cold weather, it is best that you take the necessary precautions to prevent frostbite by removing wet articles of clothing as soon as possible. For example, if you are doing snow removal, and your gloves become wet from exposure to the snow, it is best to go to a warm place and remove the wet gloves to reduce the chance of frostbitten fingers.
Moisturize Skin
Using a rich moisturizer on your skin can help prevent frostbite in frigid weather. We are all familiar with the dry skin that is associated with cooler temperatures. Less moisture in the air along with the increased use of heating mechanisms can leave your skin dry, flaky irritated. Using moisturizer helps to add necessary moisture to your skin while also reducing the chance of frostbite.
There are an assortment of lotions currently on the market that are made specifically for healing dry cracked skin. Also, natural moisturizing butters, such as shea and cocoa butter, can all be used to add a moisturizing layer of protection. This is particularly needed for areas such as the face and ears during cold weather.
Beware of Numbness
Say you are out and about in frigid temperatures and a part of your body becomes numb. This is a sign that you need to get to a warm environment as soon as you can. Upon exposing body parts that have been numbed by cold weather to a warm environment, you may feel a tingling sensation that lets you know that blood is flowing back to that particular body part.
It may even be necessary for you to immerse numb and potentially frostbitten body parts in warm water. This will increase blood flow and alleviate numbness that is associated with signs of frostbite.
Overall, it is important that you take the necessary precautions to protect your skin to prevent frostbite while exposed to frigid temperatures.
