While children across Houston have likely been looking forward to playing in the snow during today’s winter storm, it’s important to be aware of the dangers that extreme temperatures can pose to the body.
It may seem farfetched, but children playing in the snow could be at risk of suffering from frostbite or hypothermia.
Frostbite occurs when someone is exposed to cold temperatures for extended periods without proper protective clothing. It affects the tissue on fingers, toes, and the tip of the nose, causing the tissue to die. This happens because the body redirects blood supply to vital organs like the heart and lungs to keep them warm.
Dr. Carrie Bakunas, medical director of the emergency department at Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center and UTHealth Houston, emphasizes the importance of covering vulnerable parts of the body.
“If you do have to spend some time outside, it’s really important to cover up the parts of your body that are vulnerable to cold damage like your fingertips, nose... scarves, gloves, hats, those things are really important in addition to keeping the core of your body warm,” she advises.
Keeping the core warm is crucial to protecting vital organs. When the body’s overall temperature drops too low, hypothermia becomes a risk. Without protective clothing, uncontrollable shivering can lead to confusion, and hypothermia can set in quickly. If left untreated, hypothermia can cause the heart and respiratory system to fail, potentially leading to death.
To prevent complications, it’s essential to remove any wet clothing and replace it with warm, dry coats or blankets.
Gradually warming up indoors is recommended, but avoid putting hands in hot water immediately, as the drastic temperature change can burn the skin.
