What Are Cold-Related Illnesses?

No matter where you live, chilling temperatures can have a severe effect on the human body. Cold-related illnesses and injuries can be very painful. Everyone should be aware of the following possibilities.

Hypothermia: This is the result of prolonged exposure to cold temperatures where the stored energy of the body is used up. The brain can be affected, creating difficulty in thinking and moving. Symptoms may include shivering, fatigue, blue skin, dilated pupils, and slowed pulse and breathing.

Frostbite: This is the loss of color and feeling to the affected area of the body caused by freezing. Nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers, and toes are the most common places to affected. In severe cases, frostbite can lead to amputation. People with poor blood circulation are at a higher risk for frostbite. Symptoms may include numbness, tingling/stinging, aching, and bluish or pale, waxy skin.

Trench Foot/Immersion Foot: This is an injury to the feet from being exposed to wet and cold conditions for an extended period. The body will constrict blood vessels to shut down circulation to the feet in the attempt to prevent heat loss. This can result in dead skin tissue due to the lack of oxygen/nutrients and buildup of toxins. Symptoms are reddening of the skin, leg cramps, blisters/ulcers, and gangrene.

Chilblains: The repeated exposure to temperatures of 32 degrees F to 60 degrees F. Capillary beds with the cheeks, ears, fingers, and toes damaged the most with repeated exposure to cold temperatures. Symptoms include redness, itching, inflammation, and possible ulceration.

Snow Blindness: This is a reflection of sunlight off of snow and water resulting in sunburn of the eyes. Using eye protection is the best way to prevent this from happening. Symptoms include dry/irritated eyes, sensitive to light exposure, swelling of the eyelids, redness of the eyes, and excessive tearing.

How to protect yourself:

• Know the signs and symptoms of cold-induced illness/injuries
• Wear the proper clothing for wet, dry, and windy conditions
• Takes breaks from the cold to allow the body to warm up.
• Avoid exhaustion and fatigue
• Drink warm, sugary beverages, avoid caffeine
• Eat warm, high-calorie foods

Whether you work outside or not, these illnesses can affect everyone. Make sure you take the proper precautions and practice good hand hygiene habits to avoid this from happening to you. Take the proper precautions and use Safetec’s infection control products such as our Hand Sanitizers, SaniWash® Antimicrobial Hand Soap and p.a.w.s.® Antimicrobial Hand Wipes.

References:
https://health.mo.gov/living/healthcondiseases/hypothermia/illnesses.php 
https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/coldstress/coldrelatedillnesses.html 
https://www.gribbins.com/cold-related-illnesses-and-injuries/