Frostbitecan happen when the skin is exposed to temperatures below 23 degrees Fahrenheit for a sustained amount of time. Frostbite canlook similar to a thermal burn. Both damage body tissues in the same way. The marks they leave can be permanent.This article discusses thesymptoms of frostbite. It also provides photographs to help you spot frostbite when it occurs.
Frostbitecan happen when the skin is exposed to temperatures below 23 degrees Fahrenheit for a sustained amount of time. Frostbite canlook similar to a thermal burn. Both damage body tissues in the same way. The marks they leave can be permanent.
This article discusses thesymptoms of frostbite. It also provides photographs to help you spot frostbite when it occurs.
White Frostbite on FingertipsThis photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoDan DarleyIf you have frostbite, your skin may look white or grayish, as in the above photo. The skin may also have a waxy feel.Don’t try to warm a frostbite injury until you are in a warm area. If a frostbite injury is warmed and then re-exposed to cold, it can make the damage much worse.In the worst cases, frostbite can happen in just a few minutes.Frostbitten FaceThis photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoJapeofapesThis photo shows a frostbite injury that was treated with snow. Rubbing frostbite with snow was once a common way to treat this injury. Today, healthcare providers know that this can make the injury worse.Never rub or massage frostbitten tissue. Frostbite is best treated with warm (not hot) water or body heat.How to Treat FrostbiteFrostbitten FeetThis photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoChina Photos / Getty ImagesThe further your blood gets from your heart, the cooler it gets.This is why your hands, toes, and nose seem to get cold first.Toes are extremely vulnerable to frostbite. If you suspect frostbite on your toes or feet, avoid walking on them. Walking on frostbitten toes and feet can make the damage worse.Frostbite: Treatment for Mild to 1st-Degree SymptomsBlister on Frostbitten ToeThis photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoTimothy J. KosierThis injury occurred because the person was wearing inadequate footwear in freezing temperatures. If you’re going to be outdoors for a while, make sure to wear warm, dry clothing. Cover the body parts most vulnerable to frostbite, including the feet, hands, ears, lips, and nose.Should You Pop a Blister?Severely Frostbitten Hands and FingersThis photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoWinky/ flickrEarly frostbite can look like a burn. At first, the damage to the skin causes almost identical swelling and blisters.As it heals, frostbite can cause the skin to crack and peel like a burn.In this photo, the most damage is on the knuckles. This is because blood flowing through muscle helps it stay warm. Joints have less muscle and more bone.Doctors sometimes prescribe Ventavis (iloprost) for severe frostbite. This medication improves blood flow and is best taken within 24 hours of exposure.Frostbite After Two WeeksThis photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoDan DarleyAfter rewarming, frostbite may look worse. Minor injuries may blister and scab over and become discolored as they heal.Depending on the severity, frostbite can take anywhere from a few days to a few months to completely heal. Even after healing, the frostbitten area can remain extremely sensitive to cold temperatures.Frostbite: Treatment for Mild to 1st-Degree SymptomsBlack Frostbite on FingertipsThis photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoSandra Mu / Getty ImagesIn severe cases of frostbite, the skin and deeper tissues may become gangrenous. They may turn dark green or black as they die.In these cases, feeling, movement, and blood flow are lost.If the tissue isn’t surgically removed, gangrene can spread and develop into a serious infection.What Is Gangrene?Frostbite from an Ice PackThis photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoMelanie MartinezApplying ice to a sprain or inflamed skin makes sense.Applying it incorrectly, though, can lead to frostbite.It’s important not to put ice directly on the skin or leave it there for too long. Instead, put a lightweight towel on your skin and put the ice over the towel. Use ice for no more than 10 to 20 minutes. Remove the ice pack as soon as the injury starts to feel numb.How Long Should You Ice an Injury?
White Frostbite on FingertipsThis photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoDan DarleyIf you have frostbite, your skin may look white or grayish, as in the above photo. The skin may also have a waxy feel.Don’t try to warm a frostbite injury until you are in a warm area. If a frostbite injury is warmed and then re-exposed to cold, it can make the damage much worse.In the worst cases, frostbite can happen in just a few minutes.
White Frostbite on Fingertips
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoDan Darley
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See Photo
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.
Dan Darley
If you have frostbite, your skin may look white or grayish, as in the above photo. The skin may also have a waxy feel.
Don’t try to warm a frostbite injury until you are in a warm area. If a frostbite injury is warmed and then re-exposed to cold, it can make the damage much worse.
In the worst cases, frostbite can happen in just a few minutes.
Frostbitten FaceThis photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoJapeofapesThis photo shows a frostbite injury that was treated with snow. Rubbing frostbite with snow was once a common way to treat this injury. Today, healthcare providers know that this can make the injury worse.Never rub or massage frostbitten tissue. Frostbite is best treated with warm (not hot) water or body heat.How to Treat Frostbite
Frostbitten Face
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoJapeofapes
This photo shows a frostbite injury that was treated with snow. Rubbing frostbite with snow was once a common way to treat this injury. Today, healthcare providers know that this can make the injury worse.
Never rub or massage frostbitten tissue. Frostbite is best treated with warm (not hot) water or body heat.
How to Treat Frostbite
Frostbitten FeetThis photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoChina Photos / Getty ImagesThe further your blood gets from your heart, the cooler it gets.This is why your hands, toes, and nose seem to get cold first.Toes are extremely vulnerable to frostbite. If you suspect frostbite on your toes or feet, avoid walking on them. Walking on frostbitten toes and feet can make the damage worse.Frostbite: Treatment for Mild to 1st-Degree Symptoms
Frostbitten Feet
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoChina Photos / Getty Images
China Photos / Getty Images
The further your blood gets from your heart, the cooler it gets.This is why your hands, toes, and nose seem to get cold first.
Toes are extremely vulnerable to frostbite. If you suspect frostbite on your toes or feet, avoid walking on them. Walking on frostbitten toes and feet can make the damage worse.
Frostbite: Treatment for Mild to 1st-Degree Symptoms
Blister on Frostbitten ToeThis photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoTimothy J. KosierThis injury occurred because the person was wearing inadequate footwear in freezing temperatures. If you’re going to be outdoors for a while, make sure to wear warm, dry clothing. Cover the body parts most vulnerable to frostbite, including the feet, hands, ears, lips, and nose.Should You Pop a Blister?
Blister on Frostbitten Toe
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoTimothy J. Kosier
This injury occurred because the person was wearing inadequate footwear in freezing temperatures. If you’re going to be outdoors for a while, make sure to wear warm, dry clothing. Cover the body parts most vulnerable to frostbite, including the feet, hands, ears, lips, and nose.
Should You Pop a Blister?
Severely Frostbitten Hands and FingersThis photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoWinky/ flickrEarly frostbite can look like a burn. At first, the damage to the skin causes almost identical swelling and blisters.As it heals, frostbite can cause the skin to crack and peel like a burn.In this photo, the most damage is on the knuckles. This is because blood flowing through muscle helps it stay warm. Joints have less muscle and more bone.Doctors sometimes prescribe Ventavis (iloprost) for severe frostbite. This medication improves blood flow and is best taken within 24 hours of exposure.
Severely Frostbitten Hands and Fingers
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoWinky/ flickr
Winky/ flickr
Early frostbite can look like a burn. At first, the damage to the skin causes almost identical swelling and blisters.As it heals, frostbite can cause the skin to crack and peel like a burn.
In this photo, the most damage is on the knuckles. This is because blood flowing through muscle helps it stay warm. Joints have less muscle and more bone.
Doctors sometimes prescribe Ventavis (iloprost) for severe frostbite. This medication improves blood flow and is best taken within 24 hours of exposure.
Frostbite After Two WeeksThis photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoDan DarleyAfter rewarming, frostbite may look worse. Minor injuries may blister and scab over and become discolored as they heal.Depending on the severity, frostbite can take anywhere from a few days to a few months to completely heal. Even after healing, the frostbitten area can remain extremely sensitive to cold temperatures.Frostbite: Treatment for Mild to 1st-Degree Symptoms
Frostbite After Two Weeks
After rewarming, frostbite may look worse. Minor injuries may blister and scab over and become discolored as they heal.
Depending on the severity, frostbite can take anywhere from a few days to a few months to completely heal. Even after healing, the frostbitten area can remain extremely sensitive to cold temperatures.
Black Frostbite on FingertipsThis photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoSandra Mu / Getty ImagesIn severe cases of frostbite, the skin and deeper tissues may become gangrenous. They may turn dark green or black as they die.In these cases, feeling, movement, and blood flow are lost.If the tissue isn’t surgically removed, gangrene can spread and develop into a serious infection.What Is Gangrene?
Black Frostbite on Fingertips
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoSandra Mu / Getty Images
Sandra Mu / Getty Images
In severe cases of frostbite, the skin and deeper tissues may become gangrenous. They may turn dark green or black as they die.In these cases, feeling, movement, and blood flow are lost.
If the tissue isn’t surgically removed, gangrene can spread and develop into a serious infection.
What Is Gangrene?
Frostbite from an Ice PackThis photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoMelanie MartinezApplying ice to a sprain or inflamed skin makes sense.Applying it incorrectly, though, can lead to frostbite.It’s important not to put ice directly on the skin or leave it there for too long. Instead, put a lightweight towel on your skin and put the ice over the towel. Use ice for no more than 10 to 20 minutes. Remove the ice pack as soon as the injury starts to feel numb.How Long Should You Ice an Injury?
Frostbite from an Ice Pack
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoMelanie Martinez
Melanie Martinez
Applying ice to a sprain or inflamed skin makes sense.Applying it incorrectly, though, can lead to frostbite.
It’s important not to put ice directly on the skin or leave it there for too long. Instead, put a lightweight towel on your skin and put the ice over the towel. Use ice for no more than 10 to 20 minutes. Remove the ice pack as soon as the injury starts to feel numb.
How Long Should You Ice an Injury?
Be Prepared To Treat Frostbite
Frostbite needs immediate treatment. If you suspect that you or someone you’re with has frostbite, follow these guidelines.
Take care not to “shock” the skin with too much warmth. It may be numb, so do not:
After the skin has warmed, wrap the frostbitten area in clean bandages. Make sure to keep fingers and toes separated. Keep the skin clean so you don’t develop an infection.
Severe frostbite requires medical attention.
Summary
If you think you may have frostbite, get to a warm place as soon as you can and seek medical care. Don’t try to warm the area while you are still in a cold place. Frostbite can be treated with warm water, but never hot water or heating pads. Do not rub or massage frostbite or rub snow into it.
11 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Burn and Reconstructive Centers of America.Frostbite.National Health Service.Treatment-frostbite.Nandini M.Frostbite: a winter disaster.Asian J Nurs Educ Res. 2020;10(3):380-3. doi:10.5958/2349-2996.2020.00081.6Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Preventing frostbite.Joyner MJ, Casey DP.Regulation of increased blood flow (hyperemia) to muscles during exercise: a hierarchy of competing physiological needs.Physiol Rev. 2015;95(2):549–601. doi:10.1152/physrev.00035.2013.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Frostbite.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Avoid, spot, and treat frostbite and hypothermia.Sachs C, Lehnhardt M, Daigeler A, Goertz O.The triaging and treatment of cold-induced injuries.Dtsch Arztebl Int. 2015;112(44):741–747. doi:10.3238/arztebl.2015.0741.Gupta A, Soni R, Ganguli M.Frostbite–manifestation and mitigation.Burns Open. 2021;5(3):96-103. doi:10.1016/j.burnso.2021.04.002Regli IB, Strapazzon G, Falla M, Oberhammer R, Brugger H.Long-term sequelae of frostbite—a scoping review.Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021;18(18):9655. doi:10.3390/ijerph18189655Johns Hopkins Medicine.Gangrene.Additional ReadingHandford C, Thomas O, Imray CHE.Frostbite.Emerg Med Clin North Am. 2017;35(2):281-299. doi:10.1016/j.emc.2016.12.006Lorentzen AK, Davis C, Penninga L.Interventions for frostbite injuries.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2018;2018(3):CD012980. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD012980
11 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Burn and Reconstructive Centers of America.Frostbite.National Health Service.Treatment-frostbite.Nandini M.Frostbite: a winter disaster.Asian J Nurs Educ Res. 2020;10(3):380-3. doi:10.5958/2349-2996.2020.00081.6Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Preventing frostbite.Joyner MJ, Casey DP.Regulation of increased blood flow (hyperemia) to muscles during exercise: a hierarchy of competing physiological needs.Physiol Rev. 2015;95(2):549–601. doi:10.1152/physrev.00035.2013.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Frostbite.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Avoid, spot, and treat frostbite and hypothermia.Sachs C, Lehnhardt M, Daigeler A, Goertz O.The triaging and treatment of cold-induced injuries.Dtsch Arztebl Int. 2015;112(44):741–747. doi:10.3238/arztebl.2015.0741.Gupta A, Soni R, Ganguli M.Frostbite–manifestation and mitigation.Burns Open. 2021;5(3):96-103. doi:10.1016/j.burnso.2021.04.002Regli IB, Strapazzon G, Falla M, Oberhammer R, Brugger H.Long-term sequelae of frostbite—a scoping review.Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021;18(18):9655. doi:10.3390/ijerph18189655Johns Hopkins Medicine.Gangrene.Additional ReadingHandford C, Thomas O, Imray CHE.Frostbite.Emerg Med Clin North Am. 2017;35(2):281-299. doi:10.1016/j.emc.2016.12.006Lorentzen AK, Davis C, Penninga L.Interventions for frostbite injuries.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2018;2018(3):CD012980. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD012980
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Burn and Reconstructive Centers of America.Frostbite.National Health Service.Treatment-frostbite.Nandini M.Frostbite: a winter disaster.Asian J Nurs Educ Res. 2020;10(3):380-3. doi:10.5958/2349-2996.2020.00081.6Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Preventing frostbite.Joyner MJ, Casey DP.Regulation of increased blood flow (hyperemia) to muscles during exercise: a hierarchy of competing physiological needs.Physiol Rev. 2015;95(2):549–601. doi:10.1152/physrev.00035.2013.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Frostbite.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Avoid, spot, and treat frostbite and hypothermia.Sachs C, Lehnhardt M, Daigeler A, Goertz O.The triaging and treatment of cold-induced injuries.Dtsch Arztebl Int. 2015;112(44):741–747. doi:10.3238/arztebl.2015.0741.Gupta A, Soni R, Ganguli M.Frostbite–manifestation and mitigation.Burns Open. 2021;5(3):96-103. doi:10.1016/j.burnso.2021.04.002Regli IB, Strapazzon G, Falla M, Oberhammer R, Brugger H.Long-term sequelae of frostbite—a scoping review.Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021;18(18):9655. doi:10.3390/ijerph18189655Johns Hopkins Medicine.Gangrene.
Burn and Reconstructive Centers of America.Frostbite.
National Health Service.Treatment-frostbite.
Nandini M.Frostbite: a winter disaster.Asian J Nurs Educ Res. 2020;10(3):380-3. doi:10.5958/2349-2996.2020.00081.6
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Preventing frostbite.
Joyner MJ, Casey DP.Regulation of increased blood flow (hyperemia) to muscles during exercise: a hierarchy of competing physiological needs.Physiol Rev. 2015;95(2):549–601. doi:10.1152/physrev.00035.2013.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Frostbite.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Avoid, spot, and treat frostbite and hypothermia.
Sachs C, Lehnhardt M, Daigeler A, Goertz O.The triaging and treatment of cold-induced injuries.Dtsch Arztebl Int. 2015;112(44):741–747. doi:10.3238/arztebl.2015.0741.
Gupta A, Soni R, Ganguli M.Frostbite–manifestation and mitigation.Burns Open. 2021;5(3):96-103. doi:10.1016/j.burnso.2021.04.002
Regli IB, Strapazzon G, Falla M, Oberhammer R, Brugger H.Long-term sequelae of frostbite—a scoping review.Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021;18(18):9655. doi:10.3390/ijerph18189655
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Gangrene.
Handford C, Thomas O, Imray CHE.Frostbite.Emerg Med Clin North Am. 2017;35(2):281-299. doi:10.1016/j.emc.2016.12.006Lorentzen AK, Davis C, Penninga L.Interventions for frostbite injuries.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2018;2018(3):CD012980. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD012980
Handford C, Thomas O, Imray CHE.Frostbite.Emerg Med Clin North Am. 2017;35(2):281-299. doi:10.1016/j.emc.2016.12.006
Lorentzen AK, Davis C, Penninga L.Interventions for frostbite injuries.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2018;2018(3):CD012980. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD012980
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