Cold Weather Injuries: How to Prevent Them, What to Watch For, and When to Seek Care
Minnesota winters are stunning—but they can also be dangerous. When temperatures drop, the risk of cold-related injuries rises quickly, especially for people who work outdoors, enjoy winter sports, commute in icy conditions, or don’t have reliable access to warm shelter.
Cold injuries often start small, but they can become serious fast if ignored. Knowing how to prevent these injuries, recognize early warning signs, and understand when to seek care can protect your health and prevent long-term damage.
At Aslan Health, we offer affordable, walk-in and urgent care services to help you stay safe and healthy all winter long.
Common Cold Weather Injuries
Frostbite
Frostbite occurs when skin and underlying tissues freeze, most often affecting fingers, toes, ears, nose, and cheeks.
Early signs include:
- Numbness or tingling
- Pale, red, or waxy-looking skin
- Skin that feels firm or cold to the touch
More severe symptoms:
- Blistering after rewarming
- Severe swelling
- Skin turning blue, gray, or black
- Loss of sensation
Frostbite can cause permanent tissue damage if not treated quickly.
Hypothermia
Hypothermia happens when your body loses heat faster than it can produce it, causing your core temperature to drop dangerously low.
Warning signs:
- Uncontrollable shivering (or stopping shivering)
- Slurred speech
- Confusion or memory problems
- Clumsiness
- Extreme fatigue
- Slow breathing or pulse
Hypothermia is a medical emergency and requires immediate attention.
Chilblains (Pernio)
Chilblains are painful, itchy red or purple patches that develop after repeated exposure to cold, damp conditions.
Symptoms may include:
- Swelling
- Burning or itching
- Blisters
- Skin tenderness
Cold-Induced Breathing Problems
Cold air can irritate your lungs and airways, triggering coughing, wheezing, or asthma flares—especially during physical activity.
Slips, Falls, and Winter Injuries
Icy sidewalks and snowy conditions often lead to:
- Sprains and strains
- Broken bones
- Back and joint injuries
- Concussions
How to Prevent Cold Weather Injuries
A few simple steps can significantly reduce your risk:
Dress for the Weather
- Wear layers: moisture-wicking base, insulating middle, windproof outer layer
- Cover exposed skin
- Use insulated gloves, boots, thick socks, hats, and scarves
Stay Dry
Wet clothes increase heat loss rapidly. Change out of damp clothing as soon as possible.
Limit Exposure
- Take breaks indoors
- Avoid prolonged exposure during extreme cold or high winds
Fuel Your Body
- Eat regular meals
- Stay hydrated (yes—even in winter!)
- Avoid excessive alcohol—it increases heat loss
Watch Conditions
Pay attention to wind chills and weather advisories.
When to Seek Medical Care
Cold-related injuries often worsen if ignored. Early treatment can prevent complications, infection, or permanent damage.
Come to Aslan Health if you experience:
- Numbness that doesn’t go away
- Tingling or burning in fingers or toes
- Pale, red, or irritated skin after cold exposure
- Blisters after rewarming
- Swelling, pain, or stiffness after a fall
- Persistent coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath in cold air
- Skin discoloration that looks unusual
- Painful ears, nose, fingers, or toes
We can assess your injury, treat symptoms, and help prevent long-term problems—without the long wait or high cost of the ER.
When You Should Go to the ER
Some cold-weather injuries are medical emergencies. Do not delay care if you or someone else has:
🚨 Signs of Severe Hypothermia
- Confusion, disorientation, or strange behavior
- Slurred speech
- Extreme fatigue or difficulty staying awake
- Shallow or slow breathing
- Weak or irregular pulse
- Loss of consciousness
🚨 Signs of Severe Frostbite
- Skin that looks blue, gray, or black
- Skin that feels hard, wooden, or frozen
- Large blisters
- Severe swelling
- Loss of movement or sensation
- Signs of infection (fever, pus, red streaks)
🚨 Serious Injuries from Falls
- Obvious bone deformities
- Heavy bleeding that won’t stop
- Head injury with confusion, vomiting, or loss of consciousness
- Severe neck or back pain
- Inability to move a limb
- Sudden numbness or weakness
If you’re unsure, it’s always better to err on the side of caution. Cold-related injuries can worsen quickly.
Walk-In & Urgent Care at Aslan Health
If you or a loved one experiences a cold-related injury, Aslan Health is here for you.
We offer:
✔ Walk-in appointments
✔ Urgent care for minor injuries and illnesses
✔ Affordable, transparent pricing
✔ Whole-person, compassionate care
✔ Medicaid & Medicare accepted
✔ Self-pay options available
Whether it’s frostbite concerns, a winter fall, breathing issues, or lingering pain, our team is ready to help—without the long waits or overwhelming bills.
Stay Safe This Winter
Winter doesn’t have to slow you down—but it does require extra care. By dressing appropriately, limiting exposure, and knowing when to seek medical attention, you can enjoy the season safely.
If something doesn’t feel right, don’t wait.
📍 Walk in today at Aslan Health
🚶 Appointments & walk-ins welcome
💙 Caring for our neighbors—no matter the weather