frostbitten

Frostbitten is the adjective used to describe tissue that has been damaged by exposure to freezing temperatures. It most commonly affects exposed areas such as the fingers, toes, ears, nose, and cheeks. Frostbite ranges from mild frostnip, with temporary numbness, to deep frostbite, which involves skin and underlying tissues.

Causes and risk factors include prolonged exposure to cold winds, damp conditions, and inadequate clothing. Wet or sweaty garments, rapid temperature changes, and high wind chill increase the risk. People who work outdoors, participate in winter sports, or have circulatory problems are at higher risk.

Symptoms progress with severity. Early signs include numbness, tingling, or burning, followed by pale or waxy skin, hardness, and loss of sensation. As tissue thaws, typical changes are redness or blisters, swelling, and persistent pain. In severe cases, deep tissue damage can lead to tissue death and potential for infection or gangrene.

Diagnosis and treatment emphasize prompt care. Move the person to a warm environment and remove wet clothing. Do not rub or massage the affected areas. Rewarm the area in warm, not hot, water (about 37–39°C) for 15–30 minutes, if thawing is not at risk of refreezing. Protect the skin with sterile dressings and avoid breaking blisters. Seek medical evaluation, especially for deep frostbite or surrounding hypothermia. Severe cases may require hospital treatment, pain control, wound care, tetanus vaccination, antibiotics if infection occurs, and, in some instances, surgical assessment of tissue viability.

Prevention focuses on proper cold-weather clothing, staying dry, minimizing exposure, avoiding tight footwear, and recognizing early symptoms to seek timely care. Long-term outcomes vary; some individuals recover fully, while others may experience persistent numbness, sensitivity to cold, or chronic pain.