These conditions bring familiar cold weather maladies including wind chill, frostbite and hypothermia and to a lesser extent, trench foot.
Wind chill:
Wind chill is a combination of temperature and wind speed that accelerates heat loss. For example, when the actual air temperature is 40°F and the wind velocity is 35 mph, the exposed skin receives conditions equivalent to the still-air temperature being 11°F.
Frostbite:
Frostbite occurs when the skin tissue actually freezes, causing ice crystals to form between cells and draw water from them. A person can develop this condition and not even realize it. Ears, fingers, toes, cheeks and noses are typically affected. In the beginning stages of frostbite, the skin appears flushed and feels numb. Frostbitten areas appear white and cold to the touch. The skin then turns to a white or grayish color. In extreme cases, blisters may form and the skin may turn black. Do not rub the affected area - rubbing can cause skin or tissue damage. Cover the skin with warm, dry clothing or blankets and seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Hypothermia::
Prolonged exposure to cold can cause your body to lose heat faster than it can be produced. The result is hypothermia. Symptoms of hypothermia can vary depending on how long a person is exposed to cold temperatures. Initial symptoms include uncontrolled shivering, fatigue, loss of coordination and confused behavior. As the body temperature continues to fall, shivering stops, skin turns blue and breathing and pulse rate slow. Eventually, it can lead to a loss of consciousness.
Treatment involves conserving the victim's remaining body heat and providing additional heat sources. The first action is to remove any wet clothing and add layers of dry clothing, blankets, etc. Additional steps include providing shelter and drinking warm beverages, avoiding beverages containing alcohol or caffeine. Alcohol should not be used because it dilates the blood vessels and increases blood flow to the surface near the skin.
Trench Foot
Trench foot or immersion foot is caused by having feet immersed in cold water at temperatures above freezing for an extended length of time. It is similar to frostbite, but is considered less severe. Symptoms usually consist of tingling, itching or a burning sensation, and blistering of the skin. Treatment consists of soaking the feet in warm water followed by wrapping with dry cloth bandages.
Prepare for the Cold
The best defense against cold weather is to avoid exposure to extreme cold whenever possible. However, sometimes these conditions can‘t be avoided. When that's the case, there are some things you can do to help protect yourself and minimize the risks: