Severe Frostbite

As frostbite progresses into the third stage, deep frostbite, it affects all layers of the skin, including the tissues below the skin. Symptoms of deep frostbite include the following:

• Numbness
• Lose of sensation of cold, pain, or discomfort in the affected area
• Joints or muscles may no longer work
• Hard underlying tissue that has no resistance when pressed
• Blood clots
• Blisters
• Swelling
• White or yellow skin that turns purple or blue as it thaws

You may experience significant pain as the affected area re-warms. A dull continuous ache or throbbing may last days or even months after exposure. Large blisters may appear 24 to 48 hours after warming the affected area.

Frostbitten tissue is highly susceptible to infection and gangrene. If the tissue is severely damaged, the area will turn black and hard as the tissues dies.

To learn more about Cold Stress Safety visit our Cold Stress, Illness & Injury Safety Online Training web page.