Frostbite Quiz
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Redness of the skin
Hand skin is dry
Sores or ulcers of the skin
Feet cold
Itchy
There are blisters
Red spots on skin
Not seeing your symptoms? No worries!
What is Frostbite?
Frostbite is a skin injury that happens after exposure to low temperatures. The skin freezes and blood vessels constrict.
Typical Symptoms of Frostbite
- Bluish or pale skin
- Cold hands and feet
- Itchy skin
- Skin problem over the back of the hand
- Palm redness
- Earache
- Blisters on the skin
- Welts appear when skin is scratched or rubbed
Diagnostic Questions for Frostbite
Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this disease:
- Do you have any bluish or pale skin?
- Do you often have cold hands and feet?
- Do you have itchy skin?
- Do your hand problems affect the skin beyond the wrist?
- Do your palms appear red?
Treatment of Frostbite
Mild cases can be treated with slow, gentle rewarming at room temperature and pain medications. More severe cases may need surgery and medications to restore blood flow.
Reviewed By:
Maxwell J. Nanes, DO (Emergency Medicine)
Dr Nanes received a doctorate from the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine and went on to complete a residency in emergency medicine at the Medical College of Wisconsin. There he trained at Froedtert Hospital and Children's Hospital of Wisconsin in the practice of adult and pediatric emergency medicine. He was a chief resident and received numerous awards for teaching excellence during his time there. | | After residency he took a job at a community hospital where he and his colleagues worked through the toughest days of the COVID-19 pandemic. |
Yukiko Ueda, MD (Dermatology)
Dr. Ueda graduated from the Niigata University School of Medicine and trained at the University of Tokyo Medical School. She is currently a clinical assistant professor at the Department of Dermatology, Jichi Medical University, and holds several posts in the dermatology departments at Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Komagome Hospital, University of Tokyo, and the Medical Center of Japan Red Cross Society.
Content updated on Mar 31, 2024
Following the Medical Content Editorial Policy
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People with similar symptoms also use Ubie's symptom checker to find possible causes
- Numbness in fingers
- My hands and feet are cold
- Pale skin
- Cold hands
- Cold hands
- Cold hands and feet
- Finger joint pain
- The skin is itchy and has scratches
- Cold legs
- Circulation issues in hands
- Fingers turn blue
- Cold extremities
- Discoloration of fingers or toes
- Skin itching that worsens at night
- Fingers turn blue when cold
See full list
Symptoms Related to Frostbite
Diseases Related to Frostbite
FAQs
Q.
Can certain creams or home remedies really help chilblains heal faster?
A.
Certain creams, like Kampo herbal ointments, might help with healing skin problems like chilblains, but more research is needed. Some medicines are also used to treat chilblains, but home remedies are not well-studied.
References:
Paul-Traversaz M, Umehara K, Watanabe K, Rachidi W, Sève M, & Souard F. (2023). Kampo herbal ointments for skin wound healing - PMC. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 9969195.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9969195/
Pratt M, Mahmood F, & Kirchhof MG. (2021). Pharmacologic Treatment of Idiopathic Chilblains (Pernio). Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery, 8474327.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8474327/
McClelland P, & Gray BH. (2022). Cilostazol as a Treatment for COVID Toes: A Case Report - PMC. Annals of Vascular Surgery, 9691508.
Q.
Can poor circulation or Raynaud's syndrome make chilblains worse?
A.
Yes, poor circulation and Raynaud's syndrome can make chilblains worse because they affect blood flow to the skin.
References:
Dubey S, Joshi N, Stevenson O, Gordon C, & Reynolds JA. (2022). Chilblains in immune-mediated inflammatory diseases: a review. Rheumatology (Oxford, England), 9383735.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9383735/
Kurklinsky AK, Miller VM, & Rooke TW. (2011). Acrocyanosis: The Flying Dutchman - PMC - PubMed Central. Vascular medicine (London, England), 3156491.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3156491/
Khouri C, Blaise S, Carpentier P, Villier C, Cracowski J, & Roustit M. (2016). Drug‐induced Raynaud's phenomenon: beyond β .... British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 4917788.
Q.
Can shingles on the face cause long-term nerve pain or vision problems?
A.
Yes, shingles on the face can cause long-term nerve pain and vision problems.
References:
Litt J, Cunningham AL, Arnalich-Montiel F, & Parikh R. (2024). Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus: Presentation, Complications, .... Infectious diseases and therapy, 38834857.
Q.
Can the shingles vaccine help prevent facial or eye shingles?
A.
Yes, the shingles vaccine can help prevent shingles on the face or eyes.
References:
Litt J, Cunningham AL, Arnalich-Montiel F, & Parikh R. (2024). Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus: Presentation, Complications, .... Infectious diseases and therapy, 38834857.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38834857/
Gibbons A, & Galor A. (2018). Current vaccines for the prevention of herpes zoster. Current opinion in ophthalmology, 29702494.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29702494/
Walia A, Sun Y, & Acharya NR. (2024). Risk of Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus Recurrence After .... JAMA ophthalmology, 38358762.
Q.
How can you tell if chest pain is from the heart or from something else?
A.
Chest pain from the heart often feels like pressure or squeezing and may come with shortness of breath, while pain from other causes can be sharp or related to movement.
References:
Hutter AM. (1995). Chest pain: how to distinguish between cardiac and .... Geriatrics, 7672616.
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Reigle J. (2005). Evaluating the patient with chest pain: the value of a .... The Journal of cardiovascular nursing, 16000907.
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Gregory PL, Biswas AC, & Batt ME. (2002). Musculoskeletal problems of the chest wall in athletes. Sports medicine (Auckland, N.Z.), 11929353.
Q.
How can you tell if your fingers or toes have frostbite?
A.
Frostbite can cause your fingers or toes to feel very cold, numb, and change color, often becoming white or grayish-yellow. If you notice these signs, it's important to warm them up gently and seek medical help if needed.
References:
Detanac D, Marovac S, Sengul I, Detanac D, Sengul D, Cinar E, & Muratovic S. (2022). Severe Frostbite on Both Hands and Feet in a Vignette Case. Cureus, 9559177.
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Millet JD, Brown RK, Levi B, Kraft CT, Jacobson JA, Gross MD, & Wong KK. (2016). Frostbite: Spectrum of Imaging Findings and Guidelines for .... Radiographics, 5131839.
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Cheung SS. (2015). Responses of the hands and feet to cold exposure - PMC. Temperature: Multidisciplinary Biomedical Journal, 4843861.
Q.
How can you tell the difference between shingles and other skin rashes?
A.
Shingles is a skin rash that often appears as a band on one side of the body and can be painful, while other rashes may look different and not cause pain.
References:
Rasizadeh R, Shamekh A, Shiri Aghbash P, & Bannazadeh Baghi H. (2023). Comparison of human monkeypox, chickenpox and smallpox. Current medical research and opinion, 37025009.
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Beards G, Graham C, & Pillay D. (1998). Investigation of vesicular rashes for HSV and VZV by PCR. Journal of medical virology, 9515761.
Q.
How can you treat chilblains at home safely?
A.
Chilblains can be managed at home by keeping affected areas warm and dry, avoiding sudden temperature changes, and moisturizing the skin. If symptoms persist, seek medical advice.
References:
Gallizzi R, Sutera D, Spagnolo A, Bagnato AM, Cannavò SP, Grasso L, et al. (2020). Management of pernio-like cutaneous manifestations in .... Dermatologic therapy, 32949449.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32949449/
Biswal JK, Mohanty SK, Behera SN, Swain SK, & Sahoo AK. (2021). Acute Limb Ischemia: A Catastrophic COVID-19 Sequel .... Cureus, 34466301.
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Kuttiatt VS, Abraham PR, Menon RP, Vaidya PC, & Rahi M. (2020). Coronavirus disease 2019 in children: Clinical & .... The Indian journal of medical research, 32773409.
Q.
How does chest pain from shingles differ from heart-related pain?
A.
Chest pain from shingles is often sharp and located on one side, while heart-related pain can feel like pressure or squeezing in the center of the chest.
References:
Havlik RJ, Blackwelder WC, Kaslow R, & Castelli W. (1989). Unlikely association between clinically apparent .... Arteriosclerosis (Dallas, Tex.), 2556099.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2556099/
Horn B. (2015). [Chest pain]. Therapeutische Umschau. Revue therapeutique, 25533261.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25533261/
Kolesova MV, & Minor S. (2023). Silent Myocardial Infarction: A Case Report. Cureus, 37638270.
Q.
How is shingles near the eye treated differently from regular shingles?
A.
Shingles near the eye, called herpes zoster ophthalmicus, needs quick treatment with antiviral medicine and sometimes extra care to protect the eye, unlike regular shingles.
References:
Vrcek I, Choudhury E, & Durairaj V. (2017). Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus: A Review for the Internist. The American journal of medicine, 27644149.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27644149/
Werner RN, Steinhorst NI, Nast A, & Pleyer U. (2017). [Diagnostics and management of herpes zoster .... Der Ophthalmologe : Zeitschrift der Deutschen Ophthalmologischen Gesellschaft, 28871477.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28871477/
Sanjay S, Huang P, & Lavanya R. (2011). Herpes zoster ophthalmicus. Current treatment options in neurology, 21063920.
Q.
How is shingles treated, and when should you start antiviral medication?
A.
Shingles is treated with antiviral medications, which work best if started within 72 hours of the rash appearing.
References:
Herne K, Cirelli R, Lee P, & Tyring SK. (1996). Antiviral Therapy of Acute Herpes Zoster in Older Patients. Drugs & aging, 8845591.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8845591/
Davis LE, & King MK. (2001). Shingles (Herpes Zoster) and Post-herpetic Neuralgia. Current treatment options in neurology, 11487454.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11487454/
Saguil A, Kane S, Mercado M, & Lauters R. (2017). Herpes Zoster and Postherpetic Neuralgia: Prevention and .... American family physician, 29431387.
Q.
Should you get the shingles vaccine (Shingrix), and when is it recommended?
A.
The shingles vaccine, Shingrix, is recommended for adults to prevent shingles, especially as they get older. It's best to get vaccinated even if you have had shingles before.
References:
Lee E, Chun JY, Song KH, Choe PG, Bang JH, Kim ES, et al. (2018). Optimal Timing of Zoster Vaccination After Shingles. Infection & chemotherapy, 30600654.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30600654/
Le P, & Rothberg MB. (2017). Cost Effectiveness of a Shingles Vaccine Booster for .... American journal of preventive medicine, 29153126.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29153126/
You M, Wang T, Wang M, Jiang W, Jiang J, Li X, et al. (2022). Identifying the Optimal Age for Herpes Zoster Vaccination. China CDC weekly, 35919826.
Q.
What are the first warning signs of shingles before the rash appears?
A.
Before the shingles rash appears, you may feel pain, tingling, or itching in a specific area on one side of your body or face.
References:
Fan HR, Zhang EM, Fei Y, Huang B, & Yao M. (2023). Early Diagnosis of Herpes Zoster Neuralgia: A Narrative .... Pain and therapy, 37129752.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37129752/
Brings HA. (1989). Delayed diagnosis of herpes zoster. Postgraduate medicine, 2915962.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2915962/
Lee HL, Yeo M, Choi GH, Lee JY, Kim JS, Shin DI, et al. (2017). Clinical characteristics of headache or facial pain prior to .... Clinical neurology and neurosurgery, 27978460.
Q.
What can you do to relieve shingles pain and itching at home?
A.
To relieve shingles pain and itching at home, you can try cool compresses, oatmeal baths, and over-the-counter pain relievers. These methods may help soothe your skin and reduce discomfort.
References:
Johnson RW, & Whitton TL. (2004). Management of herpes zoster (shingles) and postherpetic .... Expert opinion on pharmacotherapy, 15013924.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15013924/
Bowsher D. (1996). Postherpetic neuralgia and its treatment: a retrospective .... Journal of pain and symptom management, 8942124.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8942124/
Montes LF, Muchinik G, & Fox CL Jr. (1986). Response of varicella zoster virus and herpes .... Cutis, 3026736.
Q.
What causes chilblains and who gets them most often?
A.
Chilblains are caused by exposure to cold and damp conditions, affecting the small blood vessels in the skin. They are most common in women and people with certain blood vessel conditions.
References:
Joseph L, & Kim ESH. (2017). Non-Atherosclerotic Vascular Disease in Women. Current treatment options in cardiovascular medicine, 28913687.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28913687/
Horie S. (2014). [Disorders caused by heat, cold, and abnormal pressure]. Nihon rinsho. Japanese journal of clinical medicine, 24605519.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24605519/
Ordoñez-Rubiano MF, & Gutiérrez-Marín PA. (2024). Chilblain lupus erythematosus triggered by UV nail lamp .... Lupus, 39285729.
Q.
What does shingles on the face or around the eye look like?
A.
Shingles on the face or around the eye can appear as a painful rash with blisters, often on one side of the face. It can cause itching and discomfort.
References:
Oaklander AL, Cohen SP, & Raju SV. (2002). Intractable postherpetic itch and cutaneous deafferentation .... Pain, 11932056.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11932056/
Oaklander AL. (2008). Mechanisms of pain and itch caused by herpes zoster (shingles). The journal of pain, 18166461.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18166461/
Oaklander AL, Bowsher D, Galer B, Haanpää M, & Jensen MP. (2003). Herpes zoster itch: preliminary epidemiologic data - PubMed. The journal of pain, 14622691.
Q.
What is the difference between chilblains and frostbite?
A.
Chilblains and frostbite are both cold-related injuries, but chilblains are less severe and occur from repeated exposure to cold, while frostbite involves freezing of the skin and tissues.
References:
Long WB 3rd, Edlich RF, Winters KL, & Britt LD. (2005). Cold injuries. Journal of long-term effects of medical implants, 15715518.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15715518/
Rathjen NA, Shahbodaghi SD, & Brown JA. (2019). Hypothermia and Cold Weather Injuries. American family physician, 31790182.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31790182/
Fritz RL, & Perrin DH. (1989). Cold exposure injuries: prevention and treatment. Clinics in sports medicine, 2568185.
Q.
What symptoms suggest you might have eye involvement from shingles?
A.
If shingles affects your eye, you might feel pain, see redness, or notice a rash around your eye. It's important to see a doctor if you think your eye is involved.
References:
Litt J, Cunningham AL, Arnalich-Montiel F, & Parikh R. (2024). Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus: Presentation, Complications .... Infectious Diseases and Therapy, 11219696.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11219696/
Lee JH, Agarwal A, Mahendradas P, Lee CS, Gupta V, Pavesio CE, & Agrawal R. (2016). Viral posterior uveitis - PMC - PubMed Central - NIH. Survey of ophthalmology, 5654632.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5654632/
Parmar UP, Surico PL, Singh RB, Musa M, Scarabosio A, Surico G, et al. (2024). Ocular Implications of COVID-19 Infection and Vaccine .... Journal of Personalized Medicine, 11355216.
Q.
When should you see a doctor for frostbite or severe chilblains?
A.
See a doctor if frostbite causes skin to turn white, numb, or blistered, or if chilblains cause severe pain or sores that don't heal.
References:
Fennell J, & Onel K. (2022). Chilblains-Like Lesions in Pediatric Patients: A Review of .... Frontiers in Pediatrics, 9259963.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9259963/
Gauthier J, Morris-Janzen D, & Poole A. (2023). Iloprost for the treatment of frostbite: a scoping review - PMC. International Journal of Circumpolar Health, 10044161.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10044161/
Steinberg T, Kristoffersen A, Bjerkan G, & Norheim AJ. (2023). Freezing cold injuries among soldiers in the Norwegian .... International Journal of Circumpolar Health, 10316728.
Q.
Who is most at risk of getting shingles?
A.
Older adults and people with weakened immune systems are most at risk of getting shingles.
References:
Safonova E, Yawn BP, Welte T, & Wang C. (2023). Risk factors for herpes zoster: should people with asthma .... Respiratory research, 36709298.
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Marra F, Parhar K, Huang B, & Vadlamudi N. (2020). Risk Factors for Herpes Zoster Infection: A Meta-Analysis. Open forum infectious diseases, 32010734.
Q.
Why is shingles near the eye more serious than on other parts of the body?
A.
Shingles near the eye is more serious because it can lead to vision problems and even blindness if not treated quickly.
References:
Litt J, Cunningham AL, Arnalich-Montiel F, & Parikh R. (2024). Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus: Presentation, Complications, .... Infectious diseases and therapy, 38834857.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38834857/
Tao BK, Soor D, & Micieli JA. (2024). Herpes zoster in neuro-ophthalmology: a practical approach. Eye (London, England), 38538778.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38538778/
Tsatsos M, Athanasiadis I, Myrou A, M Saleh G, & Ziakas N. (2022). Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus: A Devastating Disease .... Journal of ophthalmic & vision research, 35194502.
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https://academic.oup.com/jbcr/article-abstract/41/1/176/5695870?redirectedFrom=fulltextLaskowski-Jones L, Jones LJ. Frostbite: Don't be left out in the cold. Nursing. 2018 Feb;48(2):26-33. doi: 10.1097/01.NURSE.0000529802.75665.d7. PMID: 29324622.
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