How do frost bites occur

In severe cases of frostbite, blisters can develop after re-warming the skin and affected areas. In addition, your muscles and joints may stop working, and your skin can become dark purple or black. Every winter, our Regions Hospital Burn Center sees up to 60 patients come in with frostbite injuries. Getting stranded in the cold in a stalled or wrecked vehicle tends to be a common situation. With that said, do your best to limit trips outdoors when the temperature is below zero.

But if you do have to leave, remember to be prepared by expecting the unexpected. If your skin is infected, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics. In the most extreme cases, bone, muscle, and nerves experience damage. Amputation surgery may be necessary. These drugs can cause severe bleeding, and are usually a last resort to avoid amputation. Keeping these organs warm prevents hypothermia.

You should treat hypothermia before treating frostbite. While frostbite is painful and can result in permanent damage to exposed areas, hypothermia is a more serious cold weather threat. Frostbite on your arms and legs can indicate hypothermia because it takes a while for frostbite to spread that far. Frostbite usually occurs on your toes, nose, cheeks, ears, and chin. The best thing you can do to prevent frostbite is to dress appropriately for severe weather.

Be aware of weather forecasts before you go out. If you plan to be outside in cold weather, wear multiple layers of clothing. Be sure that none of your skin is exposed.

Your clothing should be loose-fitting and waterproof. You never know when your car will break down. Being prepared helps you stay protected. An ice burn can develop when your skin is exposed to very cold temperatures. Learn how to prevent and treat it. Frostnip is the mild stage before frostbite begins.

Frostbite on fingertip Open pop-up dialog box Close. Frostbite on fingertip Superficial frostbite, as seen here on the tip of a finger, is most common on the fingers, toes, nose, ears, cheeks and chin. Stages of frostbite Open pop-up dialog box Close. Stages of frostbite Skin without cold damage 1 has no change in color or texture.

Frostnip Open pop-up dialog box Close. Frostnip Frostnip, a mild form of frostbite, irritates the skin, causing redness and a cold feeling followed by numbness. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter.

Show references Goldsmith LA, et al. Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine. New York, N. Accessed June 30, Zafren K, et al. Accessed July 13, Rochester, Minn. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Walls RM, et al. Frostbite and nonfreezing cold injuries. Philadelphia, Pa. McIntosh SE, et al. Wilderness Medical Society practice guidelines for the prevention and treatment of frostbite. Bergeron MF, et al. International Olympic Committee consensus statement on thermoregulatory and altitude challenges for high-level athletes.

British Journal of Sports Medicine.