Defending Against Frost Nip, Frostbite, and Chilblains in Sports
This is a call-back to one of my prior posts, but with a blizzard raging in the Midwest and a frigid NFL Playoff game planned for the Chiefs tomorrow, it felt appropriate to bring back and build on it.
Hey athletes and winter weekend warriors we get to talk about a serious reality of winter sports and activities – Frost Nip, Frostbite, and Chilblains. These winter ailments can be quite serious, but with the right planning, you can stay warm and in the game.
Frost Nip -
Frost Nip can come on fast. It's that initial warning shot from the winter weather, signaling that your extremities are in danger of serious injury. Typically this if on skin exposed to the cold air and can seem like a sunburn:
Prevention Strategy: Layer Up and Stay Dry
Defense is the key here. Dress in layers to trap heat close to your body, and make sure those layers are moisture-wicking to keep you dry. Don’t forget your snowpants when you go out to shovel.
I’ve come to lover snowshoeing in a good new, deep snow
Frostbite -
Frostbite is the aggressive brother of Frost Nip that actually starts freezing your skin. While frosting can be reverisible, frost bite can lead to lasting damage. Here's some stategies:
Prevention: Insulate and Keep Moving
Equip yourself with insulated gear – gloves, socks, and boots designed for extreme cold. Keep the blood flowing by incorporating warm-up exercises into your routine.
Typically these will need to be seen in the ER quickly to warm up.
Winter can leave you with some beautiful scenery but can be dangerous as well.
Chilblains -
Chilblains might not be as well-known, but it's a persistent issues that can sideline you with red, itchy, and swollen patches, typically on the toes or fingers.
Prevention Strategy: Protect, Hydrate, and Elevate
Shield your extremities with protective clothing, paying extra attention to areas prone to chilblains. Stay hydrated to maintain optimal blood flow, and elevate affected areas to reduce swelling.
Treatment- seek medical treatment and possible medication
Snowshoeing with a weighted vest is a great workout!
Tips for Winter Defense
Now that we’ve covered some possible cold injuries we can talk about preventing them:
Know the possible injuries that can occur: Understand the signs and symptoms of Frost Nip, Frostbite, and Chilblains to recognize them early.
Stay Informed: Check the weather forecast before heading into the field. Knowing the conditions can help you prepare accordingly.
Hydrate: Cold weather can be deceptively dehydrating (think seeing your breath). Keep sipping on water throughout your activities.
Listen to Your Body: If something feels off, don't ignore it. Your body is the best referee in the game.
Post-Game Rituals: After your winter sports session, warm up gradually, remove damp clothing, and give your skin some TLC.
Stay warm, stay safe, and may your winter sports season be a victorious one!