When the body is exposed to cold, the blood vessels close to the skin begin to narrow in order to preserve core body temperature. While this is perfectly normal, people with the following medical conditions, or who are taking the following medications, have a much higher risk of frostbite. You should be particularly alert to the signs of frostbite in seniors who:

Have Diabetes:

While diabetes, the inability to break down glucose, does not in and of itself increase the risk of frostbite, diabetes causes damage to the nerve endings. This damage, particularly in the feet, legs, arms and hands (peripheral neuropathy), can impair the ability to feel the pain associated with too much cold. Individuals with peripheral neuropathy may experience frostbite before they are aware that their hands and feet are too cold.

Have Vascular Disease:

Vascular disease impairs blood flow in the veins and arteries. The feet, which are farthest from the heart, often have a greatly reduced blood supply. This means the skin chills faster than it would with a normal blood flow.

Have Raynaud's Disease (Raynaud's Phenomenon):

People with this disorder have attacks that cause the blood vessels to narrow. When this happens, blood can't get to the surface of the skin and it chills quickly.

Take Beta Blocker Medications:

These medications (ex: propranolol, metoprolol) decrease warming blood flow to the skin, increasing the risk of frostbite.

Have Had Frostbite in the Past:

Skin which has suffered frostbite in the past is more susceptible to re-injury. Although an older man may not have mentioned it, soldiers who served in cold conditions during WWII and in Korea may well have suffered frostbite.

First Aid For Frostbite

If, in spite of precautions, someone you are with suffers frostbite, here are the immediate steps to take:

1. Move the individual indoors to a warm place. Remove any jewelery that may restrict circulation (rings in particular), tight clothing such as boots, and any wet clothing.

2. If possible, take the individual for professional medical attention immediately.

3. Do not rub the affected skin to re-warm. Friction can do serious damage to frozen skin.

4. Do not use "direct heat" such as from a fire, radiator, heating pad or hair dryer to warm the affected skin. This kind of heat can further damage tissues.

5. Do not offer alcohol.

6. If you cannot get immediate medical attention, warm the affected area by immersing it in warm (not hot) water or with warm, wet cloths. Water should be no more than warm (104 degrees is pleasantly warm). This may cause severe, burning pain and swelling. Use dry, sterile dressings on the affected areas, including between fingers or toes to keep them apart.

7. Seek medical attention as soon as possible.