Along with the prospect of a few more months of frigid temperatures ahead comes the warning that prolonged exposure to the cold can cause frostbite, hypothermia, or even death. Frostbite is a severe reaction the skin has to very cold temperatures, which can permanently damage fingers, toes, the nose, and ear lobes.
Symptoms are loss of feeling and a white or pale appearance to the skin.
If these symptoms are apparent, seek medical help immediately. It is important that you do not rub the affected area, because this may cause further damage to the skin. If the victim is also showing signs of hypothermia, always warm the body core before the extremities. Hypothermia is a below-normal body temperature, typically 96 degrees Fahrenheit, or lower. Although hypothermia usually is associated with exposure to extreme outdoor temperatures, it can also threaten the health of older people who are exposed for long periods of time to cool indoor temperatures of 60 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit.