Extreme cold warnings raise concern for frostbite

As the temperatures across Saskatchewan drop, the possibility of frostbite goes up.

Environment Canada issued extreme cold warnings for much of Saskatchewan on Thursday, as a cold snap descends on the province.

The weather service has warned that wind chills could plunge to the -50 C range in the coming days, with extreme cold expected to persist through the weekend and into next week.

Troy Davies, deputy chief of operations at Medavie Health Services West, explained what people should watch out for in regards to frostbite.

He said any exposed skin can be at risk during periods of extreme cold.

“You could see frostbite to frostnip set in, basically within minutes,” said Davies. “Once you’re out there and you start to feel that you have pins-and-needles feeling … you have a lack of circulation in your extremities.”

Once you go back inside, Davies said you may begin to feel some pain in the parts of the body that were exposed to the cold. He warned the public to resist the temptation to immediately shove the cold parts of their bodies under hot water.

“You could actually do some damage to the dermis in your skin,” said Davies. “It’s just a gradual warming process.”

Davies said blisters may develop on frostbitten skin. If that happens, his advice was not to pop them and to seek medical attention.

“If you do have discoloration happening in your extremities … you do have to get emergency treatment on that,” said Davies.

His message to avoid frostbite was simple.

Davies said it’s important to wear a lot of layers when going outside, and to limit how long you are outside for.

The latest information on Environment Canada’s alerts can be found on its website.