Because a frostbitten area may appear larger and more severe than it will be weeks or months later, the decision to amputate is usually postponed until the area has had time to heal. Often, a person who has frostbitten feet must walk to safety. In most cases, if the feet can be protected from further freezing, walking on frozen feet is better than walking on feet that have been thawed. Thawed feet are more vulnerable to damage from walking, especially on rough ground. They are caused by exposure to cold, even slight cold.
Chilblains are difficult to treat and persist for years.
Immersion Foot Immersion foot is a cold injury that develops when a foot is kept in moist, cold socks and boots for several days. The foot is pale, clammy, and cold, and the circulation becomes weak. Infection can develop if immersion foot isn't treated. The treatment consists primarily of gently warming, drying, and cleaning the foot, elevating it, and keeping it dry and warm. Antibiotics should be given, and possibly a tetanus booster.