Fingers, toes, nose and ears are commonly affected. The colder the temperature and the higher the wind-chill factor, the greater the risk.
Symptoms usually begin with a painful loss of feeling leading to numbness.
The skin will turn white or blue in appearance and will feel stiff to the touch. Urgent medical treatment is needed so send for help immediately. When warming frostbitten skin, the damaged area should not be rubbed or massaged. Since frostbitten skin has no circulation, friction can damage it. The area should not be exposed to extreme heat from a stove, radiator, open fire, or heating pad.