Frostbite
A wound caused by freezing skin and underlying tissues is known as frostbite. Cold skin and a prickling sensation are the first symptoms, followed by numbness and inflamed or discolored skin. The skin may become stiff or waxy-looking as the frostbite gets worse.
Symptoms
Frostbite symptoms and signs include:
- Skin that is initially cold and itchy
- Numbness
- Depending on the severity of skin color, skin that appears red, white, bluish-white, grayish-yellow, purplish, brown, or ashen.
- Skin that appears waxy or hard
- Stiffness of the muscles and joints causes clumsiness
- Blistering in severe cases after rewarming
Causes
Skin and supporting tissues freeze, likely to result in frostbite. Exposure to cold weather is the most frequent cause of frostbite. However, direct contact with ice, freezing metals, or icy liquids can also be the cause.
Frostbite can result from a variety of conditions, including:
- Wearing clothing that isn’t appropriate for the environment you’re in, such as clothing that is too tight or doesn’t offer protection from cold, wind, or rain
- Suppose you spend too much time outside in the wind and cold, even with light winds; the risk rises as the air temperature drops below 5 F (minus 15 C). Frostbite can develop on exposed skin in less than 30 minutes when the wind chill is minus 16.6 F (minus 27 C)
Complication
Complications of frostbite include:
- Long-term numbness in the affected area
- Infection
- Increased sensitivity to cold
- Changes in or loss of nails
- Excessive sweating
- Changes in skin color
- Joint stiffness
- Growth problems in children, if frostbite damages a bone’s growth plate
- Tetanus
- Hypothermia
Prevention
Here are tips to help you stay safe and warm:
- Limit time outdoors in cold or windy weather
- Watch for signs of frostbite
- Wear mittens rather than gloves
- Wear a headband or hat that thoroughly covers the ears
- Dress in layers of loose, warm clothing
- Wear socks that fit well, with moisture, and provide insulation
- Plan to protect yourself while traveling
- Eat well-balanced meals and stay hydrated
Reviewed by – Dr. Priyanka, MBBS MD
Page last reviewed: 04 October 2022