Doctors at Lawrence Memorial Hospital said they expect to see an increase in frostbite patients with temperatures dropping so low.

Emergency room Dr. Chad Gustin said if the blood vessels under your skin freeze, the cells can die and cause the skin to turn black.

He said it’s especially important to keep your nose, ears and other exposed skin covered if you’re going to be outside for long periods of time.

“We’re all so used to, in the late fall, just running out with a regular jacket on and no gloves,” Gustin said. “Now that it’s dropped so cold, we need to bundle up more.”

The doctor said frostbite can occur in seconds or minutes when the temperature is below zero.