What are the symptoms of frostbite?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz answered:Symptoms of frostbite include numbness, pain, or itching of exposed skin, yellow or pale coloring of skin, and eventually even blistering of the skin.
Symptoms of frostbite include numbness, pain, or itching of exposed skin, yellow or pale coloring of skin, and eventually even blistering of the skin. More -
When someone develops frostbite, the symptoms usually include a prickly sensation or numbness in the affected part of the body. At first, a person may feel pain in the affected area, but as the freezing worsens, this stops. The frozen skin may look white or gray, feel cold to the touch, and appear hard or waxy. In extreme cases, blisters may start forming on the skin.
When someone develops frostbite, the symptoms usually include a prickly sensation or numbness in the affected part of the body. At first, a person may feel pain in the affected area, but as the freezing worsens, this stops. The frozen skin may look... More -
Dr. Jill Grimes answered:The signs and symptoms of frostbite include pain, severe cold and redness. Typically frostbite occurs in extremities -- fingers, toes, and noses. Ice crystals literally form within the tissue and can damage and even kill the cells in the skin.The signs and symptoms of frostbite include pain, severe cold and redness. Typically frostbite occurs in extremities -- fingers, toes, and noses. Ice crystals literally form within the tissue and can damage and even kill the cells in the... More -
American Red Cross answered:The signs of frostbite include lack of feeling in the affected area; swelling; and skin that appears waxy, is cold to the touch, or is discolored (flushed, white, yellow, or blue). In more serious cases, blisters may form and the affected part may turn black and show signs of deep tissue damage.The signs of frostbite include lack of feeling in the affected area; swelling; and skin that appears waxy, is cold to the touch, or is discolored (flushed, white, yellow, or blue). In more serious cases, blisters may form and the affected... More -
At the first signs of redness or pain in any skin area, get out of the cold or protect any exposed skin -- frostbite may be beginning. Any of the following signs may indicate frostbite:
- a white or grayish-yellow skin area
- skin that feels unusually firm or waxy
- numbness
The presence of the CDC logo and CDC content on this page should not be construed to imply endorsement by the US Government of any commercial products or services, or to replace the advice of a medical professional. The mark “CDC” is licensed under authority of the PHS.At the first signs of redness or pain in any skin area, get out of the cold or protect any exposed skin -- frostbite may be beginning. Any of the following signs may indicate frostbite: a white or grayish-yellow skin area skin that feels... More -
National Athletic Trainers’ Association answered:Frostbite occurs when body tissue begins to freeze because of the cold. Ice crystals can form in the tissue and damage cells. Frostbite most commonly occurs in the fingers, toes, nose, and ears, which are most exposed to the environment and limited in blood flow. The victim may initially feel the cold sensation and will then feel itching, tingling, burning, pain, and numbness. If the tissue continues to be exposed to cold, it may freeze and harden. At this point the victim may begin to notice blisters, which will turn black if the frostbite progresses. The longer the tissue is in the cold, the more the body will be affected.
(This answer provided for NATA by the Marist College Athletic Training Education Program.)
Frostbite occurs when body tissue begins to freeze because of the cold. Ice crystals can form in the tissue and damage cells. Frostbite most commonly occurs in the fingers, toes, nose, and ears, which are most exposed to the environment and... More
