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Frostbite

Frostbite happens when your skin freezes after being in very cold temperatures. The skin needs to be warmed as soon as possible. Get medical help if you think you or someone else has frostbite.

Symptoms of frostbite

You can get frostbite if your skin is exposed to temperatures of 0C (32F) or below.

The parts of the body most often affected are the fingers, toes, nose and ears.

At first, your skin may be:

  • cold and firm
  • numb, or you may feel a stinging or burning sensation
  • painful, throb or ache
  • red or pale (redness may be harder to see on black or brown skin)

Frostbite gets worse the colder it is and the longer you’re exposed to the cold.

If frostbite gets worse, symptoms can include:

  • hard, frozen skin that can be white, blue or blotchy
  • swelling and loss of feeling in the affected area
  • blisters filled with blood or clear or milky fluid
  • the skin turns black and hard as it starts to die (this may be harder to see on black or brown skin)

Immediate action required: Call 999 or go to A&E if:

You've been exposed to very cold temperatures and:

  • have hard, frozen skin
  • have swelling and loss of feeling in the affected area
  • have blisters filled with blood or a clear or milky fluid
  • you're constantly shivering, have slurred speech, slow breathing and are tired and confused

What to do while waiting for help with frostbite

If you think you or someone you're with has frostbite, there are some things you can do while waiting for medical help.

Important: Hypothermia

If the person is shivering a lot or struggling to stay awake, they may have hypothermia (very low body temperature).

Make sure they’re warm and keep them awake by talking to them until you can get medical help.

Treatment for frostbite

Frostbite is treated in hospital.

Treatments for frostbite include:

  • warming the affected body part
  • removing dead skin
  • medicines to treat swelling and infection
  • surgery if frostbite is severe

You may have follow-up appointments to check how your wounds are healing and to help with any lasting problems you might have (such as problems with movement).

Complications of frostbite

Frostbite can cause serious problems, especially if it’s severe.

It can cause the skin and tissue to die (gangrene), which may mean the affected body part needs to be removed (amputated).

Some people have lasting problems after having frostbite, such as pain and stiffness in the affected areas.

You're also more likely to get frostbite again if the body part is exposed to cold temperatures.

How to avoid getting frostbite

To help avoid getting frostbite, it’s important to wear warm clothing if you're in very cold temperatures.

For example, you should wear:

  • several loose layers of clothing with a waterproof outer layer
  • a hat and scarf to protect your head, neck and face
  • gloves or mittens to protect your hands and fingers
  • thick socks and boots to protect your feet and toes

It’s also important to eat and drink regularly if you’re in cold conditions for long periods.

Page last reviewed: 9 June 2025
Next review due: 9 June 2028