What does frostnip look like

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Stages of frostbite. Products and services. Thank you for Subscribing Our Housecall e-newsletter will keep you up-to-date on the latest health information. Please try again. The tissue turns black and hard as it dies. Frostnip, a mild form of frostbite, irritates the skin, causing redness and a cold feeling followed by numbness. Frostnip doesn't permanently damage the skin. Frostbite is most common on the fingers, toes, nose, ears, cheeks and chin.

Because of skin numbness, you may not realize you have frostbite until someone points it out. Changes in the color of the affected area might be difficult to see on brown or Black skin. Also get emergency medical help if you suspect hypothermia, a condition in which the body loses heat faster than it can be produced. Signs and symptoms of hypothermia include:. While you wait for emergency medical help or a doctor's appointment, take appropriate self-care measures, such as:.

Frostbite occurs when skin and underlying tissues freeze. The most common cause of frostbite is exposure to cold-weather conditions. But it can also be caused by direct contact with ice, freezing metals or very cold liquids. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products.

Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Frostbite and dry skin Open pop-up dialog box Close. Frostbite and dry skin Frostbite can cause cracked, dry, peeling skin as it heals. Frostbite on fingertip Open pop-up dialog box Close. Frostbite on fingertip Superficial frostbite, as seen here on the tip of a finger, is most common on the fingers, toes, nose, ears, cheeks and chin.

Stages of frostbite Open pop-up dialog box Close. Stages of frostbite Skin without cold damage 1 has no change in color or texture. Frostnip Open pop-up dialog box Close. Frostnip Frostnip, a mild form of frostbite, irritates the skin, causing redness and a cold feeling followed by numbness. A child is more at risk for frostbite and frostnip because of any of the below:. The symptoms of frostbite and frostnip can be like other health conditions. Make sure your child sees his or her healthcare provider for a diagnosis.

He or she will give your child a physical exam. It will also depend on how severe the condition is. Your child may need treatment to remove dead tissue. This may be done with a procedure called debridement. Or it may be done with surgery.