168 
SURVIVAL. OK LAKD AND SEA 
freezing may result from excessive perspiration. With the heavy 
clothes that you have to wear in the Arctic you will naturally 
sweat if you are very active. As soon as you are conscious of 
overheating, loosen your clothing or remove the outer layers 
entirely. If you are doing hard work or hiking you will not need 
as much clothing as when you are inactive. The guiding rule is 
to avoid heavy sweating at all costs, wearing just enough clothes 
to keep warm and comfortable, and removing outer garments as 
soon as you begin to' perspire. 
Socks, inner soles, and boots should be dried at night. If 
possible, stuff wet shoes with dry grass or other material to 
absorb the moisture ; do not put them too near the fire or they 
will harden and crack. 
You must be on guard against frostbite and freezing of the 
fingers, toes, ears, face or other parts. Keep your face and ears 
covered as much as possible and wiggle your fingers and toes 
frequently to keep up circulation. Should a white spot appear 
on the skin, or the toes or fingers begin to feel numb, treatment 
should be begun immediately. If the white patch can be covered 
with a warm, ungloved hand circulation may be quickly restored 
to it. Frosted fingers may be treated by contact with the warm 
body under the clothing. A frosted foot is best warmed by 
removal of the shoe and sock and the placing of the bare foot 
inside the shirt and against the body of a companion. Gentle 
massage may aid in restoring circulation. Do not rub roughly or 
apply snow or ice to the part. The application of heat at tem- 
peratures greater than that of the body (98.6° F.) will do more 
harm than good. If circulation cannot be restored promptly and 
the part returned to- its normal color, it should be wrapped (in 
a sterile bandage if possible) , be covered warmly and kept at rest. 
