Dermatologists warn of frostbite during cold spell

As Edmonton could experience temperatures dipping to as low as -40 this weekend a warning that amputations of fingers and limbs because of frostbite is a real concern in Alberta.

Health officials saw a 10-year high in amputations needed because of frostbite at this time of the year.

“-2 degrees Celsius, that’s actually when the body is more prone to getting frostbite. You get vassal constriction and vassal dilation, open and closing, and closing, and that results in a cold extremity. You get some freezing along the way because you’re below -2 degrees Celsius,” said Dr. Zaki Taher, a dermatologist.

RELATED: Extreme cold grips Alberta, daytime highs of -30 C not seen in 20 years: Environment Canada

In the most extreme cases, Dr. Taher says frostbite can lead to amputation — either through medical intervention —- or the body doing it on its own.

“The body just says, ‘There’s nothing left to feed’ and that tissue doesn’t end up making it. It can happen in areas where you may not even have noticed that you had the injury. Those kind of unfortunate ones where you don’t feel it for a while,” said Dr. Taher.

Amputation concerns rise as temperatures fall. Alberta Health Services reported a 127 per cent increase in amputations due to frostbite between 2021 and 2022.

The latter part of 2023’s winter saw 18 amputations. Health officials blame an increase in Edmonton’s homeless population.

One move that can make a difference is emergency housing. This week the City of Edmonton activated its cold weather response, which includes an expansion of indoor shelter space as well as nightly bus service staffed with support workers who can take people to shelter.