Frigid temperatures bring risk of frostbite

People who are forced to spend hours outside working in the elements or avid hikers or runners should take precautions. That's because freezing temperatures, amplified by wind chills, can pose serious health hazards.

"If you're out in that kind of temperature (that is) down 15 to 20 degrees (and) your skin is exposed to that for 30 minutes, you're at risk for frostbite," said Dr. Terrence Fleming, an emergency care physician at UNC REX Healthcare. "If your symptoms do not resolve in a few minutes, you should seek medical care."

Fleming said frostbite inhibits blood flow and can lead to skin and tissue injury.

For those exposed to the cold who start to feel numbness or pain, doctors advise that they should try to get to a warm place as quickly as possible. Nose and ears are particularly vulnerable to frostbite and they should be covered with layers.

And people who suffer from chronic respiratory issues, like asthma or COPD, are at higher risk of experiencing complications in freezing temperatures when wind chills are present. They should cover their nose and mouth with a scarf to help avoid problems.