Q: Your article in the paper some time ago concerning cold hands got me thinking. How about the feasibility of yet one more cause that would be a full lifetime of frozen hands and fingers? I’m in my 60s now but have been shoveling and blowing snow in -10 and -20 degree temperatures for long periods of time since I was a teen. Even gloves have limits!
I recall dozens, if not hundreds, of times coming into the house with hands and fingers that were two solid blocks. I’d stand over the kitchen sink and soak them in warm water until life returned to them. I am far more careful now but as a younger man I probably didn’t give it two thoughts. Do you think tissue damage may have been caused? My hands look fine, my blood pressure is great, my arms, legs and feet are fine, also. The only time my cold hands are not a problem for me is during the warm summer months.
Many thanks.
A: I’m sure I’m not telling you anything you don’t already know but may have never considered in your younger years. Frostbite occurs when skin is exposed to extremely cold temperatures. While we consider low temperatures as being the culprit, those temperatures above 32 degrees accompanied by high winds can also cause problems. Frostbite commonly affects the hands and feet but can also be found at the site of the nose, cheeks and ears exposed to the cold. Symptoms of pain, numbness, cold and clammy skin that has a wax-like appearance, and a red appearance of the site (from blood returning to the affected area once the hands or feet are warmed), and blisters. The body has its own method of dealing with the cold by narrowing blood vessels in an effort to preserve heat which forces blood to the core, keeping the heart and lungs warm. Unfortunately, this also prevents the hands and feet from receiving sufficient blood that ultimately causes a worsening effect of the already cold skin. This process of shunting blood and the lack of adequate circulation can cause cell damage. I don’t know how extreme your exposure may have been when you were young but this raises the possibility of you having permanent damage.
If your hands look fine, you may not have suffered any permanent damage. Even so, at this stage there’s not a great deal that can be done to reverse things other than protecting yourself from future frostbite. Remember to wear several layers of warm clothing that will afford protection from the elements. Your gloves and socks should be warm and dry, because your hands and feet literally account for almost 90% of all frostbite injuries. Your head and ears should be adequately covered, since approximately 7 to 10% of heat loss occurs through the head. Remember that when exposed to cold you should not use hot water to immerse your hands in, since the extreme heat may burn your skin. Don’t rub or vigorously massage any extremities in an attempt to promote better circulation because of the potential for permanent damage to the tissue. Be sure to drink a sufficient amount of fluids.
You certainly could now suffer from an increased sensitivity to cold and may experience pain in your hands, as well. Long term symptoms may include a loss of feeling in your hands and fingers, numbness, and nail deformities. Be prepared. Dress well and avoid future issues.
