Extreme drops in temperature can potentially pose severe health risks. With most of Western New York experiencing single digit temps this week, even limited exposure can cause frostbite.

Doctors say to limit time outside during these dangerous temps, but if you have to go outside, dress in layers and carry hand and feet warmers.

If you are experiencing pain in an extremity, try to get inside to warm up. But if the numbness persists, get to an emergency room.

Spectrum News spoke with Dr. Erik Peterson, who works in the Emergency Department at Mercy Hospital of Buffalo to find out what's going on beneath the skin when frostbite sets in.

"Just like when you go buy some fresh meat and you're not going to eat it right away and you put it in the freezer. If it's in for an hour and you take it out, you can kind of push on it, it's not crystally and crunchy a little bit, it's starting to freeze. And that's what the tissues in the body are doing, they're actually freezing and crystals are developing," said Peterson.

While frostbite only affects soft tissue, hypothermia may occur if the body's temperature drops below 95 degrees.