Doctor Warns Of Frostbite In Below Zero Temps.

by Jill Johnson
January 31, 2013 5:19 PM


On Thursday, the school parking lots in Sioux Falls were empty, the parks, deserted. The only kid we could find out and about was 12-year-old Andrey Danilko, who was going for a bike ride.

Danilko said, "Very cold, with the wind."

With no school, Danilko's cousin's house was just a few miles away, where video games were waiting.

Danilko said, "I have shorts under my pants, and snow pants and scarf, a very warm hat and coat and gloves."

But no matter how many layers you strap on, Dr. Robert Harms, who works in the ER at Sanford Hospital, says below zero temperatures can be very dangerous.

Harms said, "Especially a child who say doesn't have the adult judgement to fend for themselves and get out of a cold environment and recognize that they could get in trouble, could have a problem."

Harms says depending on the person, someone who has bad circulation, can develop frostbite in a matter of minutes.

"It depends on how fast the skin cools, and how directly it's exposed to the cold and the wind," said Harms.

The first warning signs, paleness or numbness in say your fingers or toes. As it progresses it will turn white, and have an ice-like appearance, something that can happen to anyone.

Harms said, "When the wind chill is very low and the outside temperature is very low, exposed skin can get frostbitten, even in healthy people."

A situation that shouldn't be taken lightly, so bundle up and try to stay out of the cold.

Dr. Harms says if you think you have frostbite on your fingers or toes, warm them up in warm water. If you're experiencing any numbness or have blisters, you should see a doctor.