CLEVELAND, Ohio - As a polar vortex moves across the United States and temperatures drop, health experts are warning residents about the increased risk of frostbite.

Dr. Carole Parsons, an emergency medicine physician at the Cleveland Clinic, said the condition typically occurs when the tips of fingers and toes freeze. It is also commonly seen in the nose and ears.

Parsons offered the following advice for staying safe during the frigid weather:

Wear warm clothing: Ensure you are dressed appropriately with warm apparel when going outdoors.

Stay dry: Change your clothing immediately if it gets wet.

Treat mild frostbite at home: If you notice redness or tingling, warm the exposed skin in a warm bath for about 30 minutes.

Address hypothermia immediately: If body temperature drops significantly, go inside, remove wet clothing, and wrap up in warm blankets.

Frostbite usually begins with redness of the skin and can cause a tingling or numbing sensation. In later stages, the condition can lead to blisters or cause the skin to turn black. Parsons noted that these advanced symptoms are dangerous and require immediate medical attention.

Parsons added that frostbite is not the only concern. Hypothermia is also a risk when body temperature drops enough to limit blood flow to vital organs.

"This can be very dangerous, and it can lead to some confusion, and ultimately death," Parsons said. "This is why we care a lot about what you're wearing when you go outside and making sure that you're doing things safely."

If symptoms worsen, individuals should go to an emergency department.