Tips Keith Hilliker M.D. WPI College Health Physician Cold Weather here in New England is unavoidable, but you don't need to hibernate to remain healthy in, and enjoy, outdoor winter activities. Neglecting common sense precautions can create problems ranging from mild frostbite to severe hypothermia. The water in and around the cells in exposed tissue freezes, interrupting cellular metabolism. The dead cells and tissue peel off eventually, with the damage depending on the depth of freezing. This ranges from mild peeling of the outer layer of skin to permanent deep tissue damage resulting in gangrenous tissue and amputation of the affected body part.
Prevention is the best approach.
By covering exposed skin, especially appendages like fingers, toes, noses and ears, with appropriate winter gear. Avoiding tobacco and actively exercising your limbs when cold improves circulation and lessens chances of damage. When frostbite does occur, it appears as a relatively painless, white, numb area of skin. If it remains white, becomes very painful, or dark in color with peeling skin, have the area evaluated in Health Services. DO NOT rub, massage or otherwise traumatize the affected tissue, since this extends the damage.