Exposure to extreme cold temperatures causes frostbite, the freezing of skin tissue. The condition commonly affects the fingers, toes, nose and ears, and results from decreased blood circulation. Severe complications of frostbite include nerve damage, tissue death and possible amputation. A person suffering from superficial or severe frostbite should seek immediate medical attention, reports MayoClinic.com. Additional signs medical attention for frostbite is required include fever higher than 100.4 degrees F, dizziness or other unexplained symptoms.
Frostnip
Frostnip, the initial stage of frostbite, turns the skin red or pink and extremely cold. A "pins and needles" sensation followed by numbness to the affected area occurs. A throbbing or dull aching sensation may be present, reports the National Institutes of Health website MedlinePlus. The affected skin soon loses sensation or feeling. If the skin begins to warm, pain and tingling sensations are experienced. Frostnip does not cause permanent skin or tissue damage, reports MayoClinic.com. Frostnip can be avoided by dressing properly when outdoors and decreasing the amount of time spent in cold weather environments.
Superficial Frostbite
As frostbite progresses, damage to the superficial, or outer, layer of skin continues. Skin tissue, which appeared red during the first phase, now turns white. The skin may begin to feel warm, a deceptive sign of frostbite damage, reports MayoClinic.com. The underlying skin continues to feel soft, though ice crystals are beginning to form in the underlying layers of tissue. The outer skin begins to feel slightly firm and looks waxy, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Treatment during the superficial frostbite stage often changes skin to a blue or purple color. Clear, fluid-filled blisters often appear on the surface of the skin between 24 and 36 hours post-treatment.
Severe Frostbite
Severe frostbite involves deep layers of skin tissue and may affect nearby muscles, tendons and nerves. All sensation related to pain, temperature and discomfort are lost. A person may appear have irregular movement associated with muscle and joint failure. Large, blood filled blisters form between 24 to 48 hours post-treatment. Gangrene, or tissue death, may be identified several days later. Signs of gangrene include black, hard skin with a leather-like appearance. Skin debridement occurs both naturally and surgically with the possibility of large tissue or limb loss occurring.
