Why These 4 Cold-Weather Conditions Are Easy To Miss

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Frostbite and hypothermia don’t always look like you’d expect. (Photo: Getty Images/Yahoo)

By now you — hopefully — know not to lick a flagpole (or a ski chairlift) in freezing temps. Movies have taught us that much. But while a cold-weather injury on film can make us laugh, in real life, it’s not so funny. In fact, below-average temps can lead to serious health scares like frostbite, windburn, or even hypothermia if you’re not careful.

But would you be able to recognize the worst symptoms of winter’s wrath? Here’s what to be on the lookout for, according to top ER docs.

FROSTBITE

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(Photo: Getty Images/Jude Evans)

Frostbite occurs when your skin gets so cold that the cells start to freeze, says Seth Podolsky, MD, an emergency medicine doctor at the Cleveland Clinic. “Your skin isn’t getting the blood supply that it needs and you can begin to see damage at different levels of skin — continuing inward if you’re not careful.”

Why you may miss it: Frostbite isn’t a quick onset — it comes on in stages. And while it’s usually incredibly painful, if ignored, pain can subside to itching or numbness (note: not a sign that it’s getting better, but instead that it’s getting worse). At first, cold skin can feel prickly. Look for red skin that becomes a white/yellow color with a waxy appearance and pain, says Podolsky.

Related: 8 Ways Dermatologists Change Their Own Skincare Routines for Winter

WINDBURN

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Professional snowboarder Anne Molin Kongsgaard at Mount Hood with a windburn on her cheek. (Photo: Corbis/Jeff Curtes)

When the thermometer drops, cold wind can rip away the boundary layer of warm air around your body, replacing it with, well, more cold air. And even above freezing temps, wind can still cause harm, says Paul Horvath, MD, an emergency medicine doctor at the Mayo Clinic Health System in EauClaire, Wisconsin. Cold air sucks your skin of its hydration, which causes the blood vessels to dilate.

Why you may miss it: A lot of winter sports athletes experience windburn — and it’s easy to dismiss dry, red skin as a symptom of high speeds and the slopes. But while it depends on the temperature, if it’s below zero degrees with wind, your skin can freeze in minutes, Horvath says. Most of the time, it’s not that cold, but to best protect yourself, add extra moisture to your face (like Vaseline if you’re skiing for the day) or a moisturizing cream. And keep as much of your face covered as possible.

HYPOTHERMIA

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(Photo: Getty Images)

Like frostbite, hypothermia happens in waves, says Podolsky. Your body movements may start to slow, and you may notice you’re not thinking as clearly. Other people may notice your hypothermia first, as lips and skin changing color to a purple/blue hue is a telltale sign of the condition.

Why you may miss it: Most people don’t realize that you don’t need sub-zero temps to suffer from hypothermia, says Podolsky, who has spent winters hiking in New England. “With cooler temperatures in the 30s or 40s, if you don’t have right layers, your body temperature will come down and that can potentially lead to hypothermia — especially if there’s wind.” Stick with three layers in chilly temps (REI has a detailed guide on layering basics) and don’t stay out in the cold in wet clothes. “Dry and cold is always better than wet and cold,” says Horvath. Make sure to stay hydrated, too. “People who are dehydrated are more prone to hypothermia, and people who are hypothermic urinate more leading to dehydration; it’s a viscious cycle.”

Related: The Germiest Winter Accessory You Never Wash

HEART ATTACK

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(Photo: Getty Images/knape)

Shoveling snow is no one’s favorite task — but you may not realize that it can put your heart in danger, coupled with the fact that chilly weather can up your blood pressure. In fact, studies have shown that shoveling can indeed increase your risk of a heart attack.

Why you may miss it: Shoveling sounds like a simple cold-weather chore. The thing is: It’s not. Especially if you’re older or not as active as you normally are in the warmer months, moving heavy, wet snow can be strenuous exercise. (And we’re guessing you don’t warm up and cool down for a shovel sesh.) Before heading out, make sure you know how to shovel the right way — and if you feel any chest pressure, shortness of breath, or strange sensations in your jaw or arms while working, head inside and call 911, urges Podolsky.

Up Next: How To Avoid An Embarrassing Snow-Shoveling Injury