Frostbite can be serious, so any concern is a reason to take it seriously. The key signs involve skin color changes, numbness, and how the skin feels to the touch.
Early warning signs
In the earliest stage, you may notice tingling, “pins and needles,” or burning pain in exposed areas like fingers, toes, nose, ears, or cheeks. The skin may look red at first, then turn pale or whitish, and it feels very cold.
What mild frostbite looks like
Mild frostbite (sometimes called frostnip) often shows as:
- Skin that is pale or white/grayish-yellow compared with nearby areas.
- Numbness with skin that may feel firm but still has some “give” when pressed.
As the area warms, it can become red and very painful, like a strong burning or throbbing.
Signs of more severe frostbite
More serious frostbite can cause skin that feels hard, waxy, and very stiff, with little or no feeling when touched. Blisters can appear after rewarming (clear fluid in moderate cases, blood‑filled in deeper injury), and in severe cases the skin may eventually turn black, indicating dead tissue.
When to seek emergency help
Get urgent medical care or go to the emergency department if:
- The skin is hard, waxy, very pale/blue/gray/purple/brown, or you cannot feel it at all.
- You see blisters, blackened areas, or have trouble walking or using the affected part due to stiffness or pain.
Also seek care promptly if frostbite might cover a large area, involves fingers or toes, or if there are signs of hypothermia (shivering that won’t stop, confusion, slurred speech, extreme tiredness).
What to do right now
Until you can be seen, move to a warm place, remove wet or tight clothing, and gently warm the area with body heat or warm (not hot) water if there is no risk it will refreeze. Do not rub or massage the skin, and do not use direct heat sources like stoves, heating pads, or hot water, because numb skin burns easily. If you are worried you might have frostbite, the safest option is to contact a doctor or urgent care or call emergency services for guidance based on your symptoms.
