Protecting Yourself and Your Family from Frostbite

Winter weather is already hard on skin, but also brings the risk of frostbite, one of the most serious cold-related injuries you can face. Whether your job requires a lot of outdoor work, you’re watching your kids play in the snow, or you’re preparing for a family ski vacation, remember that skin is your body’s largest organ—and when temperatures drop, it’s one of the first places to show stress.

At Forefront Dermatology, our specialists regularly treat the short- and long-term effects of cold exposure, from mild frostnip to deeper tissue injury. With the right knowledge and a dermatologist’s insight, frostbite is often preventable, and even treatable when caught early.

What is frostbite, and who is likely to get it?

Frostbite is an injury that occurs when skin and the tissues beneath it freeze after prolonged exposure to cold temperatures. Your body goes into survival mode and works to protect your vital organs by redirecting blood flow away from your hands, feet, ears, and nose. Unfortunately, that leaves these areas much more vulnerable to injury. Ice crystals form within your cells, leading to inflammation, tissue damage, and in severe cases, long-term complications.

Frostbite is more likely to affect children younger than age 18 and older adults over 65. Smokers are also at a higher risk, as are those with an underlying medical condition, such as malnutrition, hypothyroidism, arthritis, diabetes and others.

While many people think of frostbite as something that happens only in extreme conditions, it can occur more quickly than most expect, especially when wind chill, wet clothing, or poor circulation are involved. This wind chill chart from the National Weather Service can help you assess how dangerous outdoor weather can be, but consider this example: An outside temperature of -25 F with 30 mph winds can lead to frostbite in only 5 minutes!

The stages of frostbite

As your body is exposed to freezing temperatures, damage to skin progresses in stages. Look for these signs of frostbite:

• Frostnip – This is the mildest form, where your skin may feel cold, tingly, or numb, but no permanent damage occurs. Frostnip typically resolves on its own as long as the skin is warmed quickly.
• Superficial frostbite – Affecting the top layers of skin, this may cause a particular area of the skin to appear pale or waxy. The skin may also blister as it warms.
• Deep frostbite – This stage extends into deeper tissues, and your skin may feel hard or frozen. The skin also will change colors (usually to blue, gray, or black), which signals more serious injury.

Tips for preventing frostbite

The most effective frostbite protection comes from understanding how cold weather affects the skin and taking steps to reduce exposure. Dermatologists regularly see the long term effects of cold injury, including scarring, pigment changes, and nerve sensitivity, which is why prevention is always the first and most important line of defense.

Dress for the weather

Wear layers. First put on a moisture wicking base layer to keep sweat off your skin, then an insulating middle layer (fleece or wool are good choices), then a windproof and waterproof outer layer.

Protect extremities. Wear insulated gloves or mittens; thick, dry socks (avoid cotton, which traps moisture); a hat that covers the ears; and a scarf or face mask to shield the nose and cheeks.

Avoid tight clothing. Compression shirts and other tight clothing can actually restrict circulation and increase your frostbite risk.

Apply a barrier product to protect exposed skin

Even brief exposure to cold, dry air can damage the skin’s barrier. To reduce your risk, apply a thick moisturizer or petroleum based barrier to the nose, cheeks, chin, and ears before going outside. Also, keep your skin dry, as moisture accelerates heat loss, and use broad spectrum sunscreen, even on cloudy days.

Limit time outdoors

Cold exposure becomes dangerous faster than most people expect. Limit time outside during extreme cold or high wind chills, take frequent indoor breaks to warm up, monitor children closely, and be cautious if you have a condition that affects your circulation.

Always check for any wind chill advisories and be aware of rapid temperature drops during the day. If snow or ice is already on the ground, remember that it can soak clothing, increasing your risk.

Stay hydrated and nourished

Healthy skin is more resilient to cold stress, so dermatologists recommend drinking water regularly throughout the day, eating balanced meals to support circulation and energy levels.

Avoid alcohol

Alcohol can impair judgement and affect the ability to know if you have frostbite, so it’s best to avoid alcohol before outdoor activities.

What to do if you see signs of frostbite

If you think you or a family member may have frostbite, acting quickly (and correctly) can be the key to preventing deeper tissue damage. The goal of self-care for frostbite is to warm the skin safely and avoid further injury.

• Step 1: Move to a warm, safe environment – Get indoors as soon as possible. Continued exposure can worsen frostbite and make rewarming more painful.
• Step 2: Remove wet or tight clothing – Replace with dry, loose layers to help the skin warm gradually.
• Step 3: Warm the skin slowly and gently – Use warm (not hot) water or body heat to rewarm the affected area. Do not use direct heat sources, like heating pads, a fireplace, or even hot water. Also, do not rub, massage, or shake the skin because frostbitten skin is extremely fragile.
• Step 4: Protect the skin as it warms – As circulation returns, the affected area may sting, burn, or become red. If blisters form, keep them clean and covered, but do not pop or drain them, as this increases the risk of infection and scarring.

When to see a dermatologist for frostbite

Deeper damage requires more than self-care for frostbite. Prompt evaluation by a dermatologist can prevent long-term complications, as they can assess the extent of skin damage and are trained to identify subtle signs of tissue injury. They can also help manage complications like pigment changes, nerve sensitivity, or delayed wound healing — issues that often appear days or weeks after the initial exposure.

A dermatologist should evaluate frostbite if you notice:

• Persistent numbness or tingling after rewarming
• Skin that remains pale, blotchy, or unusually firm
• Blistering of any size
• Lingering pain, swelling, or sensitivity
• Concerns about long-term skin changes, such as discoloration or scarring

Some frostbite symptoms, however, require immediate medical attention. Go to the emergency room if you notice:

• Blue, gray, or black skin
• Large or blood filled blisters
• Skin that feels hard, frozen, or completely numb
• Severe pain that worsens after rewarming
• Signs of infection, such as fever, pus, or spreading redness
• Symptoms of hypothermia (shivering, confusion, slurred speech)

Treatment depends on the severity of the injury, but may include wound care, blister management, infection prevention, pain and inflammation support, long term monitoring, and skin barrier repair. Dermatologists also help patients understand what to expect during recovery. Frostbite healing can take weeks, and expert guidance reduces the risk of complications.

Protecting your family starts with expert skin care

With the right preparation, early recognition of symptoms, and thoughtful response, most frostbite can be avoided. When concerns do arise, a dermatologist is one of the best resources for evaluating skin damage, supporting healing, and helping you prevent long term complications.You don’t have to manage winter skin health alone. If you’re curious about preventing frostbite, have lingering symptoms after cold exposure, or want personalized guidance on frostbite self-care, we’re here to help. Find a Forefront Dermatologist near you and take the next step toward safer, healthier skin all winter long.