Uncovered areas of the body are most likely to suffer frostbite, with the nose, ears, cheeks, fingers and toes most often affected. Frostnip results in a pins and needles feeling and the skin turning unusually white and soft. No blisters appear and there is no permanent tissue damage. Frostnip can be treated at home by blowing warm breath on the frost-nipped area or soaking the area in warm water.
Superficial frostbite causes the skin to feel waxy, frozen, numb, and to possibly blister.
The skin freezes and ice crystals form inside the skin cells, but the tissue underneath remains flexible. In deep frostbite, the affected areas become completely numb to all feeling, and blisters usually do not appear. When frostbite happens, prompt medical attention is needed to prevent infection and possible loss of a limb. The person should go to the nearest doctor or emergency care clinic to be treated. If medical care or transportation is not available, then it may be helpful to begin re-warming the injured area before arriving at the hospital.