With the mercury dipping below 0 degrees Celsius at the start of the year, the Direction de santé publique de la Montérégie reminds us that frostbite is a direct effect of the cold. If not, the affected area may remain sensitive to the cold for years. In the most serious cases, deep frostbite can lead to amputation. 

The Quebec government website describes frostbite as follows: 

It's a serious problem resulting from the freezing of skin exposed to the cold. Frostbite is characterized by skin that is paler than usual and waxy in appearance. The ears, nose, cheeks, fingers and toes are the parts of the body most often affected by frostbite. 

The risk of frostbite varies according to the temperature felt, i.e. the wind chill. Meteorologists use the term “wind chill” to indicate the temperature felt by skin exposed to cold. In general, the temperature felt is colder than the actual temperature.

When the temperature is between 0 and -9 degrees Celsius, the risk of frostbite is low. Between -10 and -27, wind chill may cause discomfort, but the risk of frostbite remains low. 

Between -28 and -39, the risk is increased, as skin exposed to the cold can freeze within 10 to 30 minutes, or more quickly if winds are strong. 

If the mercury reaches between -40 and -47 degrees Celsius, the risk of frostbite is high, as the skin can freeze in 5 to 10 minutes, or more quickly if the winds are strong. 

Between -48 and -54, the risk is high, as the skin can freeze in 2 to 5 minutes, or faster if winds are strong. From -55 degrees Celsius, the risk of frostbite is very high, since skin exposed to the cold can freeze in less than 2 minutes. 

What are the symptoms of frostbite? They affect the skin of the extremities (ears, nose, cheeks, fingers and toes) and other areas directly exposed to the cold. They can vary in severity. The symptoms of superficial frostbite, which only affects the surface of the skin, are different from those of deep frostbite. 

Superficial chilblain

- Skin becomes numb and tingling; 

- Skin turns red, then white; 

- Small swellings (blisters) appear on the skin; 

Deep chilblain

- Skin becomes cold, white or waxy; 

What to do in case of symptoms 

Anyone with symptoms of frostbite should contact Info-Santé at 811.

While waiting for Info-Santé's instructions, you should: 

- Get out of the cold;

- Remove damp or wet clothing; 

- Warm up by wrapping yourself in blankets or by skin-to-skin contact with another person; 

- Apply lukewarm water to the area affected by frostbite. Avoid rubbing your skin.