How to tell the difference between hypothermia and frostbite

With temperatures below freezing and parts of north central West Virginia under an extreme cold warning, anyone exposed to these temperatures could get hypothermia or frostbite. 12 News spoke with a local medical professional about how people can tell the difference if they think that they or someone they know is suffering from either of these conditions, as well as what to do next.

With younger and older patients, doctors can see symptoms of hypothermia even if their core body temperature is not at 95 degrees Fahrenheit. The general first symptoms that a person who is experiencing hypothermia could experience includes confusion and inability to participate or want to participate in normal activities.

“It’s really all a spectrum. You can have some initial confusion that then can develop into patients becoming obtunded or unresponsive. Other things that we can see is in severe hypothermia, is cardiac changes with heart rhythm and heart rate. Those are the big things that we look for,” Attending Physician at United Hospital Center David Bittner said.

Another dangerous condition that can be caused by exposure to extremely cold temperatures is frostbite. According to the CDC, frostbite is a type of injury caused by parts of the body beginning to freeze and leads to a loss of feeling and color in the areas it affects.

“Our body is about 60% water, that’s both in cells and outside our cells but encased in our skin and organs. And just like ice cubes, if it’s exposed to frigid temperatures, cells and other fluid in your body can literally freeze. So, it’s typical that we see that in extremities, whether its fingers or toes, those are parts of the body that are the furthest away from your core temperature,” Bittner said.

With the extremely cold temperatures the area is experiencing, Bittner recommends seeking medical attention immediately if you are showing signs of hypothermia or are concerned about it. Additionally, if you have poor blood circulation or are not dressed properly for the cold, you may be at a higher risk for frostbite. If you notice any white or grayish-yellow skin, skin that feels unusually firm or waxy, or experience numbness, it’s important to get to the hospital right away.