Frostbite can occur whenever temperatures drop below freezing (0°C / 32°F). Severe frostbite usually happens at -10°C (14°F) or lower, especially with wind or wet conditions.
Tip: Wind chill and wet skin make frostbite happen faster, even at milder temperatures.
What Is Frostbite?
Frostbite happens when body tissues freeze, commonly affecting:
How it damages the body
- Ice crystals form inside cells, damaging tissue.
- Damage can range from mild and temporary to severe, sometimes culminating in amputation of fingers or toes.
Frostbite Symptoms and signs
When still frozen, frostbitten skin typically looks pale, waxy, or white, regardless of severity. Some key indicators of more serious frostbite include:
- Bluish tinge to the skin
- Frostbite spreading further down fingers or toes
After rewarming, the extent of the injury becomes clearer:
| Type |
What It Looks Like |
Key Points |
Frostnip
|
Pale skin; ice crystals disappear within 30 minutes of warming. Skin feels and looks normal once warm. |
Mildest form; no permanent damage. |
Mild / Superficial Frostbite
|
Skin may redden, and later peel, or form clear/milky blisters. |
Heals like a mild burn; usually no long-term damage. |
Severe / Deep Frostbite
|
Skin looks dusky, grey, or blue; blood filled blisters may appear over days, followed by blackening of the skin. |
Can cause permanent tissue loss; needs urgent medical attention. |