HotHands warmers are great for all kinds of situations, but one of the most popular uses for them is during cold weather outdoor recreation like camping, hunting, and snowsports – not to mention working a job outdoors for industries like construction, agriculture, and emergency response. In situations like these, exposed to the elements and harsh weather for hours or days at a time, frostbite can become a real concern. It’s important to be able to recognize the symptoms of frostbite as they develop, so you and those around you don’t suffer permanent injury.
Before full-blown frostbite is “frostnip.” Frostnip is a mild form of frostbite characterized by redness and numbness of the affected skin. Frostnip doesn’t do permanent damage to skin or tissue, but is an important warning sign that frostbite may occur without prompt intervention. As the skin stays exposed and becomes colder, frostnip becomes frostbite. The skin becomes completely numb and may turn white, bluish-white, or even gray-ish yellow as the tissue freezes. When affecting the extremities, it may cause clumsiness and joint/muscle stiffness. Frostbite most commonly affects fingers, toes, noses, ears, cheeks, and chins because they’re either the most exposed, are at the periphery of the blood’s circulation system, or both. Because the skin will be completely numb, the person affected might not even realize they’re frostbitten. This is why it’s vital to stay in groups for cold weather activities and check each other for symptoms of frostbite and hypothermia, especially at temperatures below 5F or -15C, when the risk of frostbite goes up drastically.
Ideally, frostbite and frostnip should be prevented before they happen. There are a few ways to avoid frostbite, but they all come down to staying warm. Layering up and making sure sensitive areas like ears, fingers, and toes are properly insulated is crucial. Heated clothing like our Hot Hands socks can help keep you comfortable: just slip a HotHands foot warmer or toe warmer into the socks’ built-in pouches. Making sure there aren’t gaps or “leaks” in your outfit that will let the warmth out and let snow and cold air in is also important. Staying hydrated and avoiding alcohol also help prevent frostbite. And finally, staying active to keep the blood flowing is effective as well.
Hot Hands hand warmers are the perfect way to stay comfortable and maintain the dexterity you need to perform your best during your next cold weather adventure – whether it’s work or play, backwoods or city block. Tuck a hand warmer into each pocket of your ski jacket, or right into your gloves. Slip some foot warmers inside your duck boots on that fall hunting trip. Keep your ears and nose warm with a face and neck warmer for the field or job site. In the fight to stave off the winter chill, HotHands are your best friend.
The old saying goes: “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” So why not pick up 40 ounces of frostbite prevention with this box of HotHands body warmer packs and be extra safe? If we’re doing the math right, that box of body warmers is worth about 40 pounds of cure, which seems like a pretty good deal. Some insole adhesive foot warmers are sure to keep your toes toasty, too. HotHands products aren’t foolproof protection against frostbite, but knowing how to protect yourself from the cold and how to spot frostnip as it’s happening are important and effective.