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Frostbite
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Symptoms

Frostbite

Frostbite is an injury caused by freezing that most often affects the nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers, or toes.

Symptoms

Frostbite can cause permanent damage, and severe cases may lead to amputation. Symptoms include:

  • Skin turning white or grayish-yellow
  • Skin feeling firm or waxy to the touch
  • Numbness in the affected area

Steps for Care

If you have symptoms of frostbite, seek medical care. If immediate care is unavailable, follow these steps:

  • Get into a warm room as soon as possible.
  • Avoid walking on frostbitten feet or toes, as this increases damage.
  • Place the affected area in warm—not hot—water.
  • Use body heat to warm the area, such as using your armpit to warm frostbitten fingers.
  • Do not rub the area with snow or massage it, as this can cause further damage.
  • Do not use a heating pad, heat lamp, stove, fireplace, or radiator. Because the area is numb, you could easily burn it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Move to a warm, sheltered area; avoid walking on the affected area; immerse the frostbitten part in warm (not hot) water for 15–30 minutes; gently rewarm with body heat (e.g., placing fingers in the armpit); do not rub, massage, or apply direct heat sources like heating pads or stoves.
Wear layered, insulated clothing that covers exposed skin; use windproof and waterproof outer layers; protect extremities with gloves, hats, and insulated boots; keep dry and change wet clothing promptly; stay hydrated; and limit time spent in extreme cold, especially if wind chill is high.
If swelling, blistering, persistent pain, discoloration, or numbness continues after rewarming, or if you notice any signs of infection such as redness, warmth, or pus, contact a healthcare provider immediately.
Mild frostbite (first or second degree) presents with white or pale skin, numbness, and a waxy feel. Deeper frostbite (third or fourth degree) involves black or blue discoloration, severe pain once the area is warmed, and possible loss of sensation or tissue loss. If you see any of these deeper signs, seek medical care promptly.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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