What does frostbite look and feel like?
Symptoms of frostbite vary based on what stage you’re in and the severity of skin damage that the cold caused.
- Frostnip: During frostnip or the first stage of frostbite, you may see that your affected skin is red to purple or lighter than your natural skin tone. Your skin may also feel cold, slightly painful and tingly. Frostnip is the warning stage when skin damage is just temporary. If you notice symptoms, get inside immediately and thaw the affected area of skin with warm (never hot) water. Afterward, you may notice small red bumps (chilblains) on your skin. Even if you have mild symptoms, visit a healthcare provider to make sure you don’t have long-term damage from frostnip.
- Superficial (surface) frostbite: This is the second stage of frostbite, and it requires medical treatment. Your skin might feel warm, but the water in your skin is slowly freezing into ice crystals. Your skin contains over 60% water. This can cause a “pins and needles” feeling. In addition, your skin may sting or swell up. After rewarming, you might have painful, spotty patches or purple or blue areas of skin like a bruise. Your skin might start to peel and feel just like a sunburn. You may also get fluid-filled blisters in the area after a day or so.
- Severe (deep) frostbite: In the third stage of frostbite, your lower layers of skin (subcutaneous tissue) freeze and total numbness sets in. It can be difficult to move the area that’s frostbitten or you may not be able to move it normally. Get medical attention immediately if you experience any of these symptoms. Big blisters will appear on the frostbitten skin a day or two after cold exposure. Your frostbitten skin turns black because your skin cells die after freezing. Your skin might form a hard, black covering (carapace) that falls off on its own. If it doesn’t, a healthcare provider will remove it surgically.
Frostbite is dangerous because it often numbs your skin so you may not feel that anything’s wrong at all. Contact a healthcare provider if you believe you have frostnip or frostbite.
Can you have frostbite and not know it?
Yes. Many people who get frostbite are completely unaware that they have it. This happens because frostbite numbs your nerves and can cause damage deep inside your skin. You might not notice any symptoms after coming in from the cold. It’s important to limit your time outdoors in freezing temperatures to prevent frostbite.
Where are common places to get frostbite?
Frostbite can affect any part of your skin, but you’re more likely to get frostbite on your extremities. These are parts of your body that are the most exposed to cold temperatures, even if they’re bundled up and include your:
- Hands and fingers.
- Feet and toes.
- Face and nose.
- Ears.
How do I know if my child has frostbite?
It can be difficult to tell if your child has frostbite. Infants don’t shiver like adults because they don’t have as much energy stored up. Older children are usually too busy having fun outside to notice they’re frostbitten.
If your baby or toddler is outside in the cold for even 10 minutes, it’s time to check on them. If you notice parts of their skin are lighter than their natural skin tone, red, white or gray, contact their healthcare provider.
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If your children are older and they’ve been outside for more than half an hour in freezing temperatures, even with cold weather clothing on, ask them to come inside and remove their wet clothing. They should put on dry clothes and warm their body under blankets. A warm bath may also help your child warm up from the cold. Always use lukewarm, never hot, water.
How do you get frostbite?
Freezing temperatures cause frostbite. Cold temperatures (slightly above freezing) for long periods of time can also cause frostbite. You can get frostbite by:
- Exposure to freezing temperatures.
- Having frozen objects like an ice pack or metal pressed against your skin.
- Not wearing sufficient clothing to protect your skin from the cold.
Even if you’re wearing protective clothing like a hat, boots and gloves, you can still get frostbite through your clothing.
When you get frostbite, the water within your skin freezes and crystalizes. Over 60% of your skin contains water. This damages your skin cells and tissues, which prevents blood flow to these areas of your body. Severe frostbite can damage your muscles, nerves and joints.
How long does it take for you to get frostbite?
You can get frostbite in 30 minutes or less when the wind chill is -15 F (-26 C) or lower. If you live or work in cold climates, try to limit your time outdoors to prevent skin damage.
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How cold does it have to be to get frostbite?
Freezing temperatures cause frostbite. It needs to be colder than 32 F or 0 C for you to get frostbite. Remember that the temperature may be significantly colder if there’s wind, which can increase your risk of getting frostbite.
