It doesn't necessarily have to be 32 degrees or below for cold-weather injuries to occur. Small children and older adults are highly susceptible to hypothermia. Hypothermia occurs when the body's temperature falls and the body cannot produce heat as fast as it is being lost. Hypothermia is a life-threatening situation and can happen even in temperatures of 60 degrees Fahrenheit, especially in cases of accidental water immersion. The most common cold injuries are chilblain, frostbite and hypothermia.
Chilblain results from intermittent exposure to temperatures above freezing, in high humidity.
It frequently occurs on the face and looks like red blotches or an overall flushed appearance to the skin, along with an aching sensation and slight numbness. When the affected part becomes pale gray or has a waxy white appearance, frostbite has occurred. Frostbite is the actual freezing of water particles in your skin and can lead to permanent damage or even loss of the affected area. If you suspect frostbite, avoid rubbing the exposed skin to warm it. This could cause the ice particles to damage even more skin cells.