Although cold exposure can potentially have benefits, it’s important to be aware that there also are significant potential risks. People who are overly sensitive to cold or who have Raynaud’s phenomenon — a disorder that causes blood vessels to inappropriately constrict in response to cold or stress — should consult with their physician before experimenting with cold exposure. Because people with Raynaud’s experience exaggerated blood vessel constriction in response to cold exposure, there is an increased risk of frostbite and/or hypothermia.
It’s also important to note that the potential drawbacks to cold exposure aren’t limited to people with health conditions that are worsened by cold conditions. The following potential drawbacks of cold exposure can affect anyone if the cold exposure stimulus is too long, too intense, or otherwise inappropriate for an individual’s level of experience and acclimation:[1]
- Hypothermia: Prolonged exposure to cold temperatures can cause the body's core temperature to drop, leading to hypothermia, which can potentially be fatal without timely medical intervention.
- Frostbite: Exposure to extreme cold can cause frostbite, which involves the actual freezing of skin and underlying tissues.
- Cold shock: Sudden immersion in cold water can cause an involuntary gasp reflex also known as the "cold shock response", which can lead to drowning if the person is unable to swim or keep their head above water.[2][3]