Wind Chill & Frostbite
People outside during frigid weather should understand the nuances of climate in order to stay safe. Wind chill is an important predictor of how fast the skin will succumb to frostbite.
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Wind Chill
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Wind chill measures how wind speed and temperature combined draw warmth from the skin. For example, 35 mph winds make 20 degrees Fahrenheit feel like zero degrees. Frostbite is possible at a wind chill temperature of zero, and likely at -20 degrees, according to ABC Safety Mart.
Frostbite
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Frostbite occurs when the skin and body tissue just underneath it freezes. It affects small, exposed areas of your body, like fingers, toes, ears, and nose.
Ninety-five percent of people experience frostbite when the temperature of their skin reaches 18 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the website Survival Topics.
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Symptoms
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Symptoms include a tingly, painful or itchy sensation; a cold or burning sensation; or numbness. Skin can turn red, white or grayish yellow. In severe cases, skin might blister.
Treatment
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Medical treatment includes warming frostbitten areas in warm-water bath; dressing the skin after it thaws; removal of damaged tissue; oral antibiotics; and/or surgery (amputation) in extreme cases, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Prevention
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Stay inside or prepare for extreme wind chill factors. Dress properly and know how to build a shelter and build and start a fire.
Dangers
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Severe frostbite must be treated immediately, as it can permanently damage skin, tissues, bone and muscle, according to the Mayo Clinic. Frostbite can lead to infection and nerve damage.
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References
- Photo Credit snow days image by tamdesigns from Fotolia.com
