Cold Temperature Exposure

Emergencies

Yes	Do you have any of the following symptoms that require emergency treatment? Call 911 or other emergency services immediately.

• Not breathing or unconscious. After calling 911 or other emergency services, see the topic Dealing With Emergencies.
• Symptoms of severe hypothermia, such as:
  • Slow or shallow breathing
  • Decreased level of consciousness
  • Confusion or altered behaviour, such as unusual aggressive, irrational, disoriented, or combative behaviour
  • Slurred speech
  • Repeated stumbling when walking or unsteadiness when standing

Check Your Symptoms

If you answer yes to any of the following questions, click on the "Yes" in front of the question for information about how soon to see a health professional.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

If you have any of the following symptoms, evaluate those symptoms first.

• Cold skin in a foot, arm, leg, or hand that is not caused by cold exposure: Go to the topics:
  • Toe, Foot, and Ankle Problems, Non-injury.
  • Finger, Hand, and Wrist Problems, Non-injury.
  • Arm Problems, Non-injury.
  • Leg Problems, Non-injury.
• Hives, a rash, or itching after cold exposure: Go to the topics:
  • Allergic Reaction.
  • Rash, Age 12 and Older.
  • Rash, Age 11 and Younger.

For information on how to take an accurate temperature, see the topic Body Temperature.

Yes	Do you have or does someone else have symptoms of low body temperature (early hypothermia) and a temperature of 35°C (95°F) or lower?
Yes	Do you have or does someone else have symptoms of low body temperature (early hypothermia), but you have not taken a temperature?
Yes	Do you have symptoms of cold-injured skin, such as frostbite?
Yes	Do you have eye pain or vision changes? Note: You may not have any symptoms for 6 to 8 hours after cold exposure.
Yes	Do you think you have a skin infection after rewarming cold skin?
Yes	Are your hands, fingers, feet, nose, or ears sensitive to cold temperatures?
Yes	Are you worried that the cold-injured skin is dirty and you need a tetanus shot?

If a visit to a health professional is not needed immediately, see the Home Treatment section for self-care information.

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Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS	Last Updated: August 24, 2007
Medical Review:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine
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