What can prolonged cold exposure cause? Understanding the health risks

September 27, 2025 •

3 min read

Prolonged exposure to cold can eventually use up your body's stored energy, leading to an abnormally low body temperature. This critical issue begs the question: What can prolonged cold exposure cause? The effects are more severe than just discomfort and can be life-threatening.

Quick Summary

Prolonged cold exposure can cause dangerous conditions like hypothermia, frostbite, trench foot, and increased cardiovascular strain by forcing the body to lose heat faster than it is produced. It can also cause tissue damage and impair cognitive function, potentially requiring urgent medical care.

Key Points

Hypothermia is a medical emergency: It occurs when your body's core temperature drops below 95°F, affecting the brain and leading to confusion and poor judgment.
Frostbite can cause permanent tissue damage: Freezing of the skin and underlying tissue can lead to lasting injury, and in severe cases, amputation.
Wet conditions are a major risk factor: Moisture accelerates heat loss, making immersion foot a possibility even in non-freezing temperatures.
The heart is under significant stress: Cold exposure causes blood vessels to constrict, increasing blood pressure and cardiac workload, which is particularly dangerous for those with heart conditions.
Vulnerable populations need extra care: Infants and the elderly are at a higher risk of hypothermia due to less effective body temperature regulation.
Many cold injuries are preventable: Simple measures like dressing in layers, staying dry, and limiting exposure can effectively prevent most cold-related health issues.

The Body's Response to Cold Stress

When exposed to cold for extended periods, the body experiences cold stress, a state where heat loss exceeds heat production. This triggers shivering and redirects blood flow from extremities to the core to protect vital organs. While a survival mechanism, this response contributes to cold-related injuries.

The Dangers of Hypothermia

Hypothermia is a critical condition caused by prolonged cold exposure, resulting in a core body temperature below 95°F (35°C). It impairs cognitive function, making it hard to recognize danger.

Symptoms of Hypothermia

Early Stage: Shivering, fatigue, loss of coordination, confusion, fumbling hands, and memory loss.
Late Stage: Shivering stops, blue skin, dilated pupils, slowed pulse and breathing, and unconsciousness.

Hypothermia can occur even above 40°F if wet. Infants may show bright red, cold skin and low energy. It can be fatal without prompt treatment.

The Impact of Frostbite

Frostbite is tissue damage from freezing, commonly affecting fingers, toes, nose, and ears. Severe cases can lead to permanent damage and amputation.

Symptoms and Stages of Frostbite

Frostnip: Mildest form; numbness, tingling, or stinging; skin turns reddish then pale. No permanent damage with quick treatment.
Superficial Frostbite: Ice crystals form in tissue; skin feels warm. Requires medical care; may cause blisters.
Deep Frostbite: Most severe; all layers freeze; area numb. Large blisters; skin turns black (tissue death); potential amputation.

Other Cold-Related Conditions

Trench Foot (Immersion Foot)

Caused by prolonged exposure of feet to cold, wet (non-freezing) conditions. Wet feet lose heat rapidly, leading to constricted blood vessels and tissue damage.

Common symptoms include:

Reddening of the skin
Numbness or tingling pain
Swelling and blisters
Gangrene in severe cases

Chilblains

Repeated exposure to cold temperatures just above freezing causes painful, itchy, inflamed skin patches on extremities and face. They can recur.

Cold Urticaria

A rare reaction causing itchy, red welts on skin exposed to cold. Severe cases can involve swelling of the mouth and throat.

Strain on Cardiovascular and Respiratory Systems

Cold weather increases heart-related risks, especially for those with existing conditions. Blood vessel constriction raises blood pressure and cardiac workload, increasing heart attack or stroke risk. Cold air can also irritate airways, worsening asthma or chronic lung disease.

Recognizing and Treating Cold Injuries

Act quickly: move the person to warmth. For hypothermia, remove wet clothing and warm with blankets. For frostbite, gently rewarm with warm water; do not rub. Seek immediate medical help for moderate to severe hypothermia or frostbite.

Prevention is Key

Prevent cold exposure risks by:

Dressing in layers: Trapped air insulates; use synthetic/wool and a water-repellent outer layer.
Staying dry: Wet clothes increase heat loss; change them immediately.
Covering exposed skin: Wear a hat, gloves/mittens, and a scarf/face mask.
Staying hydrated and nourished: Drink warm, non-alcoholic fluids and eat regularly.
Limiting strenuous activity: Sweating leads to heat loss; pace yourself and take indoor breaks.


Condition	Cause	Primary Symptoms	Risk Level	Can Affect...
Hypothermia	Prolonged cold exposure causing body temp drop below 95°F	Shivering, confusion, drowsiness, slurred speech	High	Entire body
Frostbite	Freezing of skin and tissues	Numbness, pale or waxy skin, tingling, blisters	Moderate to High	Extremities
Trench Foot	Prolonged exposure to cold, wet (non-freezing) conditions	Redness, numbness, swelling, gangrene	Moderate	Feet
Chilblains	Repeated exposure to cold, non-freezing temperatures	Itching, redness, swelling, possible blisters	Low	Fingers, toes, ears, cheeks
Cold Urticaria	Allergic-like reaction to cold	Hives, swelling, itching	Variable	Skin

Conclusion

Understanding what can prolonged cold exposure cause is vital for prevention. The body's responses can lead to serious conditions if cold stress is not managed. Recognizing symptoms of hypothermia, frostbite, and other injuries, and taking preventative steps, significantly reduces risk. Stay informed and prepared to safely handle cold weather. For more on cold weather's effect on the heart, see the American Heart Association website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Early signs include shivering, fatigue, loss of coordination, confusion, memory loss, and fumbling hands. It is important to act quickly as these can progress rapidly.

Yes, conditions like trench foot and chilblains can occur in temperatures significantly above freezing, particularly in damp or wet conditions.

Frostnip is the mildest form of frostbite, where skin freezes temporarily without causing permanent tissue damage. Frostbite involves the freezing of deeper tissue and can lead to permanent damage or loss of the affected part.

Cold weather causes blood vessels to constrict to conserve heat. This increases blood pressure and cardiac workload, raising the risk of heart attack or stroke, especially for those with pre-existing heart conditions.

Infants, the elderly, people experiencing homelessness, outdoor workers, and those with certain medical conditions like diabetes and heart disease are most vulnerable.

Move the person to a warm place, remove any wet clothing, and warm the core (chest, neck, head, groin) with blankets or dry towels. Seek immediate medical attention.

Keep your feet dry by wearing appropriate waterproof footwear and changing out of wet socks as soon as possible. Elevate your feet when resting to improve circulation.