Frostbite - Symptoms

Most frostbite injuries affect the feet or hands. About 10 percent of all cases involve the ears, nose, cheeks, or penis. The first symptoms of frostbite are a feeling of cold and numbness in the affected body part. The skin then begins to turn white or yellowish. Many patients experience severe pain in the affected part.

Symptoms continue as the body begins to warm up. The pain returns or continues during this period. It may last for days or weeks. As the skin begins to thaw, fluids may collect, causing swelling of the affected area. In more serious cases, deep, blood-filled blisters may form. In the most severe cases of frostbite, the muscles, tendons, nerves, and bones may also be damaged by cold. In such cases, dead tissue may drop off or become infected.

The symptoms of frostnip are less severe. The skin may turn pale. Numbness and tingling are likely to occur in the affected area.