When the snow starts flying, winter sports enthusiasts come out of hibernation.

Although downhill skiing, snowshoeing, skating, tubing, and cross-country skiing can be enticing and rejuvenate the senses, they can also be ruthless and unforgiving on the skin.

Besides having to worry about sun protection and dry skin, winter athletes also have to be conscious of the possibility of getting a case of frostbite.  Any exposed area like noses, ears, cheeks and fingers have an increased risk of surrendering to this numbing condition.

Because frostbite isn’t instantaneous but comes on steadily, it’s important to recognize its early symptoms and seek treatment immediately, which always involves getting out of the cold.

The following are the three stages of frostbite according to MedicineNet.com and the proper care recommended for each:

1. Frostnip.  This is the first stage of frostbite and symptoms can be distinguished by the bright red skin and perhaps the feeling of pins and needles. The skin then "blanches" or loses its blood supply. Eventually, the area loses feeling and becomes numb. Treatment for this stage is simple and involves providing the “frost-nipped” area with warm, moist heat like water or blowing breath on the area.
2. Superficial frostbite. The symptoms of the second stage of frostbite include a freezing of the skin’s upper layers and tissues.  The deep tissues of the affected part are spared and remain soft and normal. This type of injury generally blisters one to two days after freezing and the blisters may become hard and blackened. However, they usually look worse than they are with most injuries healing over three to four weeks. Again, treatment involves applying moist, warm heat to the frostbitten area along with tepid water. Also remember not to rub the area but rather pat it dry and apply cream or ointment to keep it moistened properly.
3. Deep frostbite. This is the most dangerous type of frostbite involving the second layer of skin where all of the muscles, tendons, blood vessels, and nerves of the affected extremity are frozen. The extremity is hardened, feels woody, and use of this body part is lost temporarily, and in severe cases, even permanently. The involved area is deep purple or red with blisters and usually is filled with blood. This type of severe frostbite results in lost fingers and toes and it is extremely important to seek immediate medical attention. If possible, try to re-warm the area with tepid, moist heat but proceed with caution. Once starting the re-warming process, it is very important to not stop because re-freezing of the afflicted area can cause more damage. However, it can take several months to determine how much damage has actually occurred.

What’s even better than treating frostbite? Preventing its occurrence all together. The following are easy tips to abide by when outside in the winter:

1. Be aware of the early signs of frostbite and know when to get out of the cold;
2. Dress in warm layers and avoid cotton because it holds moisture and will eventually start to chill you;
3. The inner layer should be of a high-tech polyester that "wicks" sweat away from your body; the second layer should be looser and breathable, preferably made of fleece; the third layer should be a breathable, wind-resistant, water-resistant material;
4. Wear mittens instead of gloves so fingers and toes have a pocket of air around them to trap heat in and prevent sweating;
5. Wear a good pair of insulated boots;
6. Remove any wet clothing because damp or wet clothing increases your risk of freezing. Buy properly fitted clothing that is windproof, water-resistant or waterproof in order to have the best protection;
7. Avoid drinking alcohol because it dehydrates the body of moisture and makes one more susceptible to getting frostbite;
8. Medical conditions such as diabetes, (low thyroid), andpoor circulation can make it more likely that one will develop a cold injury. Check with your physician to answer specific questions; and
9. Avoid wearing metal jewelry if outside for an extended amount of time. Metal becomes very cold, very quickly and can freeze to your skin. If this happens, re-warm the skin and the metal immediately.

Sources: MedicineNet.com; Cool Running Magazine.