What is a characteristic symptom of hypothermia?

A characteristic symptom of hypothermia is indeed cold skin. When the body loses heat faster than it can produce it, the core temperature drops, leading to reduced blood flow to the skin. This results in the skin feeling cold to the touch. Other symptoms typically associated with hypothermia include shivering, confusion, fatigue, and potential changes in consciousness, which stem from the body’s attempt to conserve heat and function normally.

Rapid breathing, increased perspiration, and dry mouth are not indicators of hypothermia. Rapid breathing could be related to overheating or stress, increased perspiration typically occurs in situations where someone is warm, and a dry mouth may simply be from dehydration or anxiety, rather than a direct result of hypothermia. Therefore, understanding cold skin as a critical symptom helps in recognizing and responding to cases of hypothermia effectively.