Prevention is key to surviving Arctic blast

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Dangerous frigid temperatures later this week could lead to frostbite and hypothermia for those exposed outdoors, according to a medical expert.

"It's best to stay warm and indoors when temperatures are like they are expected to be in a few days," said Dr. Doug Kupas, an associate in the Department of Emergency Medicine at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville.

On Monday, the National Weather Service in State College issued an alert that sub-zero temperatures are on the way this week.

Frostbite is a condition in which the tissue of exposed skin freezes, Kupas said. It is typically seen in the extremities, such as the fingers, toes and tip of nose, but also the exposed arms, legs and feet, he noted.

"When those ice crystals cause bad enough damage to the extremities, they can turn black and fall (off) or require amputation or plastic surgery," Kupas warned.

The warning signs of frostbite include numbness and pain, but if one loses all feeling, damage may have already occurred, he said.

It is best to get indoors and rewarm the damaged skin using body heat.

"Put hands that are cold into your armpits," he said.

If warm water is used, be careful about the temperature. Because the extremity is numb, one may not feel the heat and scalding is possible, Kupas said.

Prevention includes dressing in warm layers, using gloves and covering the hands and head. Use several layers of socks and wear boots if going outside for long periods of time.

In cases of hypothermia, or lowering of the core body temperature, Kupas said he sees three kinds of patients: (1) Acute hypothermia, caused when a person falls into an ice-covered lake or body of water; (2) Urban or chronic hypothermia, noticeable in a city setting with homeless populations, those suffering diabetes or chronic alcoholics; and (3) mountain, or exertion, hypothermia. A person suffering from the latter typically is brought to emergency rooms after exposure to the outdoors, such as after hunting or hiking, he said.

The best preventative tip in frigid weather is using common sense.

"Don't go outside if you don't have to," Kupas said.

For those who must work outdoors, dress warmly and get inside if any symptoms are noticeable, he said.