Frostbite

Frostbite is an injury to skin or other living tissue that is allowed to freeze, especially affecting the fingers, toes, nose, ears, cheeks, and chin. It most often occurs in the hands and feet, often preceded by frostnip, a paling or reddening of a body part as its blood vessels constrict, which tingles, feels very cold, or simply feels numb, and this may be followed by clumsiness and white or bluish, waxy-looking skin that indicate full-blown frostbite. Swelling or blistering may occur following treatment, and complications may include hypothermia or compartment syndrome.