AUGUSTA, Ga. ()- As chilly weather is expected to linger for the coming days, medical experts are cautioning the public about the dangers of frostbite.

Frostbite, a type of injury akin to burning, typically occurs when individuals are exposed to freezing conditions for extended durations.

Dr. Aaron Hurd, a vascular surgeon at Doctor’s Hospital of Augusta, notes that frostbite can have several detrimental effects on the human body.

“At first, individuals might experience pain and notice some changes in skin color, such as paleness on their fingers or nose. As numbness or tingling sets in, the condition escalates in severity,” explained Hurd.

The hospital has observed that outdoor workers, children, and the elderly are particularly susceptible to this heightened risk.

Hurd says there are other groups that are also at risk. 

“People who are diabetic, people who drink alcohol, smoke cigarettes, or have some peripheral disease in the blood vessels. There’s a condition called Raynaud’s, where people have phaso-restriction in their fingers and feet: they’re especially sensitive to cold temperatures,” Hurd said.

People without access to shelter are also at high risk for frostbite.

This week, the Salvation Army Kroc Center is in operation as an emergency overnight shelter after seeing an uptick in patients. 

“Last night was a big uptick. We saw nearly 100 clients stay with us,” said Janelys Villalta, marketing manager for the Salvation Army of Augusta.

She says patients can come to the shelter at 4 PM to check in as long as they have a valid I.D., but they will have other resources for those who need it. 

“We are able to provide blankets, winter clothing, hand warmers, things of that nature. If there are people out there who aren’t necessarily looking for shelter (but they need some of those items), feel free to come to the Center of Hope,” Villalta said.

You can also qualify for financial assistance on utilities through the Project Share Program.

“They just need to provide proof of need for us, and we can provide up to $500 in utility assistance,” said Villalta. “It is a big help to people who are close to having to cut their lights off—because they haven’t been able to pay their bills. Definitely a good resource for people to keep in mind.”

Hurd says it’s getting warm clothing items and seeking shelter that are the best things to prevent frostbite before it potentially causes permanent damage. 

“Obviously there’s a point of no return. Once you get severe frostbite damage, you’re going to start losing tissue, and tissue becomes discolored more permanently,” said Hurd.

Garden City Gospel Mission and the city also have warming shelters open day and night throughout the week.

Doctor’s Hospital of Augusta also has a Limb Preservation Program if you need extra resources for care, which you can find by clicking here.