Tips to Avoiding Frostbite

12/28/2012 (Updated 9:52:16 PM)

BINGHAMTON -- The winter season brings time for  sledding, skiing, and shoveling-- but also the risk of frostbite.

We spoke with a nurse who gave us tips on avoiding
serious injury to the skin.

She says frostbite is caused by prolonged exposure in cold weather.  Your skin loses feeling and turns white, and if untreated, can lead to hyopthermia, blistering,and even the need for amputation. nurses recommend you cover exposed areas, wear mittens instead of gloves, and wear many loose layers.

"The elderly have impaired circulation sometimes.  People with diabetes have impaired circulation so they don't have the feeling in their feet, so they're not aware this is occurring.  And young children and babies don't have the ability to tell us they're feeling cold," said Broome County Health Department Nurse Practitioner Lauren Luchuck.

If you have symptoms of frostbite, such as redness, tingling, and a loss of sensation in the area, nurses recommend you gently warm the area and put it in warm water.