WASHINGTON — Temperatures are expected to drop below freezing Friday, and even into the single digits in certain parts of the DMV. The best bet to protecting yourself from the dangerous cold is to stay inside. But if you must be outdoors, there are a few things to watch out for.
According to the Mayo Clinic, signs of frostbite include:
- Red, pale skin (spotting changes in color will be harder in brown or black skin)
- Prickling feeling
- Numbness
- Muscle stiffness
- Blistering in severe cases
Experts say your fingers, toes, ears, and chin are the most vulnerable to freezing temperatures. Blistering can occur 24 -48 hours after rewarming, and then the skin tissue turns black and hard.
“You tend to get tingling and then as it gets worse it becomes painful," Dr. Nicholas Steinour said. "And then as it gets even worse you lose that sensation of pain and that’s actually a concerning sign even though it may feel better."
Dr. Steinour said how long it takes to experience these symptoms will depend on a person's build, metabolism, and other health factors. The critical factor is temperature - the lower the temperature, the less time it will take. Experts say dress in layers and be sure to cover your head, neck, and hands.
Hypothermia happens when your body loses heat faster than it can produce heat, meaning your internal body temperature will drop. An internal body temperature of 95 degrees Fahrenheit or below is dangerous.
According to the Mayo Clinic, here are some key symptoms of hypothermia:
- Shivering
- Slurred speech or mumbling
- Slow, shallow breathing
- Weak pulse
- Clumsiness or lack of coordination
- Drowsiness or very low energy
- Confusion or memory loss
- Loss of consciousness
- Bright red, cold skin (in infants)
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