In cold weather, bodies lose heat faster than they can produce it, which can lead to serious health problems like hypothermia or frostbite. Teen athletes who participate in (or attend) cold-weather sports may be at risk for these and other cold-related illnesses or injuries.

“Being properly prepared for the elements is key to preventing cold-weather illness and injury,” says Tiffany Swales, a Pediatric Athletic Trainer and Supervisor at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. “While anyone practicing or competing in cold temperatures is at risk for cold-related illness and injury, there are some groups who need to be particularly careful out in the elements,” says Tiffany. “Young athletes are at greater risk for cold-weather injuries because they are genetically predisposed. Extra precautions should be taken by these athletes when playing outdoors.”

When it comes to playing and competing in the cold, growing athletes should:

• Be aware of current and forecasted weather before going outside.
• Wear layers to make it easy to remove or add clothing as conditions and exertion levels change. However, be careful not to wear too many layers, as they may cause overheating and excess sweating.
• Wear technical fabrics that wick moisture and sweat, which can help your teen stay dry, close to the body. Staying dry means staying warm—and it may be hard for your teen to get warm again once wet. A middle layer of fleece or natural fibers can provide insulation, and water- and wind-resistance outer layers can help reduce loss of body heat and protect your athlete from the elements.
• Stay hydrated with water or a sports drink.
• Maintain a well-balanced diet. (Check out these breakfast and lunch ideas to fuel your athlete.)
• Bring extra shoes, socks, clothes and gloves to replace any item that becomes wet.

Whether your growing athlete is bundling up for practice or for competition, it’s important to know the signs of these common cold-weather injuries.

Hypothermia

Hypothermia is a serious concern for athletes in cold temperatures. Hypothermia usually occurs when it’s very cold outside, but it can also strike when temperatures are merely cool and an athlete gets wet or sweaty and then becomes chilled.

What are signs of hypothermia in kids and teens?

• Shivering
• Exhaustion
• Confusion
• Drowsiness
• Slurred speech
• Fumbling hands
• Memory loss

Frostbite

Frostbite is a bodily injury caused by freezing that leads to a loss of feeling and color in affected areas—usually the nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers or toes. Frostbite can permanently damage the body and, in severe cases, can lead to amputation.

What signs of frostbite should you look out for?

• Redness, pain or numbness
• White or grayish-yellow skin
• Unusually firm or waxy-feeling skin
• Numbness

What should you do when an athlete shows signs of hypothermia or frostbite?

• Move the athlete to a warm room or shelter.
• Remove any wet clothing.
• Warm the athlete up under layers of dry blankets or clothing.
• Seek medical attention.

Chilblains

Extended exposure to cold, wet conditions can lead to itchy and swollen red patches of skin known as chilblains. These spots or blisters usually clear up in a matter of weeks—especially if the weather is warming.

How can young athletes prevent chilblains?

• Dress in layers of loose-fitting clothing.
• Limit the amount of skin that is exposed to the elements. Gloves, gaiters and face coverings can help.

What should you do when your child develops chilblains?

Chilblains should go away on their own. However, it’s important that your child heed the following DON’TS:

• Do not put hands or feet under hot water or near a heater, causing a drastic change in temperature.
• Do not massage or put lotions or creams on the affected area.

Remember, these cold-weather injuries can be serious, and it’s important for parents and coaches to do their part in knowing these signs and being properly prepared.