Thermal Effects of Emollients on Facial Skin in the Cold: Clinical Report

Abstract

Ointments are traditionally used in Finland for protection against facial frostbite. Recent epidemiological reports showed unexpectedly, however, that the use of ointments is a statistically considerable risk factor for frostbite of the face and ears. The effects of 4 different emollients on facial temperature were studied in 46 acute cold exposures. The voluntary test persons sat in a cold chamber after emollients were applied thickly on half of the face, while the other half acted as an untreated control. Thermistors and an infrared scanner were used to measure skin temperature of symmetrical areas of the face. The thermal sensations on the corresponding sites were also recorded. Test emollients more often had an objectively cooling than a warming effect on facial skin. However, white petrolatum often produced a subjectively warming skin sensation. "Protective" ointments may cause a false sensation of safety, leading to increased risk of frostbite due to neglect of other protective measures.

Exercise in the Cold

“…The use of skin-protecting emollients increases the risk of frostbite and should not be used. 3 , 14 , 15 Subjects who used skin emollients doubled the incidence of facial frostbite in the areas where emollients were applied. 14 This is due to subjective skin warmth, a false sense of protection, and neglect of other protective measures.…”

Belaya Smert: The White Death

“…In fact, test emollients most often have more of an objectively cooling than a warming effect on skin. 8,9 The Soviets were also aware of another novel, but evidence-based, prophylactic measure against frostbite that was worth considering for mass use-"foot cloths" soaked in cabinetmaker's glue (with the addition of glycerin to prevent the glue from hardening)! Foot cloths treated in this manner .…”

“…In fact, test emollients most often have more of an objectively cooling than a warming effect on skin. 8,9…”