Frostbite Summary Frostbite is an injury to the body that is caused by freezing. It most often affects the nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers, or toes. Frostbite can permanently damage the body, and severe cases can lead to amputation. Signs of frostbite include A white or grayish-yellow skin area Skin that feels unusually firm or waxy Numbness If you have symptoms of frostbite, seek medical care. But if immediate medical care isn’t available, here are steps to take: Get into a warm room as soon as possible. Unless absolutely necessary, do not walk on frostbitten feet or toes. Walking increases the damage. Put the affected area in warm – not hot – water. You can also warm the affected area using body heat. For example, use your armpit to warm frostbitten fingers. Don’t rub the frostbitten area with snow or massage it at all. This can cause more damage. Don’t use a heating pad, heat lamp, or the heat of a stove, fireplace, or radiator for warming. Since frostbite makes an area numb, you could burn it. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Find an Expert Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Center for Environmental Health Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Specifics Chilblains Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Nonfreezing Tissue Injuries Merck & Co., Inc. Trench Foot or Immersion Foot Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Clinical Trials ClinicalTrials.gov: Frostbite National Institutes of Health Health Check Tools Cold Injury DSHI Systems Related Issues Cold Stress National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Physical Allergy Merck & Co., Inc. Raynaud Phenomenon (Beyond the Basics) UpToDate When Working in Cold, Be Prepared and Be Aware Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Prevention and Risk Factors Fighting Off Frostbite American Osteopathic Association Tips to Protect Workers in Cold Environments Occupational Safety and Health Administration What to Do When Winter Has You in its Icy Grip National Safety Council Children Frostbite Nemours Foundation Frostbite Nemours Foundation Array Frostbite How to prevent frostbite and hypothermia Start Here Frostbite Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Winter Weather Frequently Asked Questions Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Winter Weather: Frostbite Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Treatments and Therapies Frostbite, First Aid Logical Images Frostbite: First Aid Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Journal Articles Frostbite
