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Frostbite

Cold exposure - arms or legs

Frostbite is damage to the skin and underlying tissues caused by extreme cold. Frostbite is the most common freezing injury.

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Frostbite - hands
Frostbite

Causes

Frostbite occurs when the skin and body tissues are exposed to cold temperature for a long period of time.

You are more likely to develop frostbite if you:

Symptoms

Symptoms of frostbite may include:

Very severe frostbite may cause:

Frostbite may affect any part of the body. The hands, feet, nose, and ears are the places most prone to frostbite.

First Aid

A person with frostbite on the arms or legs may also have lowered body temperature (hypothermia). Check for hypothermia and treat those symptoms first.

Take the following steps if you think someone might have frostbite:

Do Not

In case of frostbite, do not:

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Contact your health care provider if:

Prevention

Be aware of factors that can contribute to frostbite. These include extreme:

Wear clothing that protects you well against the cold. Protect exposed areas. In cold weather, wear mittens (not gloves); wind-proof, water-resistant, layered clothing; 2 pairs of socks; and a hat or scarf that covers the ears (to avoid heat loss through the scalp).

If you expect to be exposed to the cold for a long period of time, do not drink alcohol, smoke, or use tobacco. Make sure to get enough food and rest.

If caught in a severe snowstorm, find shelter early or increase physical activity to maintain body warmth.

Related Information

Hypothermia
Paleness
Numbness and tingling

References

Freer L, Handford C, Imray CHE. Frostbite. In: Auerbach PS, Cushing TA, Harris NS, eds. Auerbach's Wilderness Medicine. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2017:chap 9.

Hickey S, Ryan CM. Cold-induced injuries and hypothermia. In: Cameron JL, Cameron AM, eds. Current Surgical Therapy. 14th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:1428-1433.

Prendergast HM, Erickson TB. Procedures pertaining to hypothermia and hyperthermia. In: Roberts JR, Custalow CB, Thomsen TW, eds. Roberts and Hedges' Clinical Procedures in Emergency Medicine and Acute Care. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019:chap 65.

Sawka MN, O'Connor FG. Disorders due to heat and cold. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 95.

Zafren K, Danzl DF. Hypothermia, frostbite, and nonfreezing cold injuries. In: Walls RM, ed. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 128.

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Review Date: 11/2/2023  

Reviewed By: Jesse Borke, MD, CPE, FAAEM, FACEP, Attending Physician at Kaiser Permanente, Orange County, CA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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