Frostbite Symptoms

There are three different stages of frostbite, depending on how severe the damage to cells has become. To put it simply, the longer your body is exposed to cold conditions and how cold the conditions are influences how seriously frostbite will affect your body.

First-Degree Frostbite (Frostnip)

The first symptoms of frostbite will be light pins and needles, or throbbing in the affected area. Visibly speaking, your skin might become cold, numb and white. Often called frostnip, this is usually the first warning sign you’ll receive from your body that indicates the onset of frostbite. At this point it’s highly recommended to take preventative measures (see below) to ensure the symptoms don’t deteriorate. 

Second-Degree Frostbite

Prolonged exposure to cold conditions will further worsen the damage caused to your body’s tissue. As frostbite begins to worsen, you’ll notice that the affected area will feel hard and frozen.

Second-degree frostbite only affects the top layers of skin and tissue, but it’s vital to seek urgent medical treatment at this stage to prevent permanent damage. At this point, when you bring your body back into warm conditions you may notice that the skin has become red and blistered.

Third-Degree Frostbite

As the condition reaches its final stage, you’ll notice that the affected skin becomes white or blue and feels cold to the touch. At this point it’s possible that the frostbite has penetrated deep into your body’s tissues and into your tendons and bones.

How To Prevent Frostbite

While it’s easy to say “just chuck a pair of mittens on” when talking about the prevention techniques to avoid frostbite, it’s actually more specific than that, especially for those of us into adventure and action sports.

Let’s dive into the ways we can prevent frostbite.

• Chuck a pair of mittens on. Seriously, this is an essential for anyone skiing, or winter mountaineering, or any other activity that involves an extremely cold climate. It goes without saying really, but a decent pair of gloves really will protect your hands from cold conditions. If you’re someone with poor circulation, or feel like you get cold hands and feet easily, then be sure to invest in a decent pair of gloves. Your hands will thank you for it.
• For the skiers out there, we always recommend getting your ski boots fitted at a ski shop. This isn’t only a performance factor, but a good boot fitter will find you the perfect fit, promoting blood flow (and therefore warmth) in your feet which will do wonders in keeping frostbite at bay.
• Wear a hat. It’s simple, really. Keep those exposed ears covered up, particularly during cold or windy conditions while outside.
• Bring spare layers. Protect yourself during prolonged periods in cold climates by layering up. Pack a spare hat, gloves and socks if you think any of them might get wet. By doing this, you’ll be able to swap them if they get wet, or add extra layers to your extremities if you’re exceptionally cold.
• Be aware that drinking alcohol increases your risk of falling asleep in cold conditions and causes a faster loss of heat. We’re specifically talking to the skiers who love a tipple while out on the slopes. Don’t go overboard and you’ll keep frostbite at bay.

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