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Published on: 7/21/2026

What is the difference between chilblains and frostbite?

Yoshinori Abe

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Chilblains vs. Frostbite: What's the Difference?

Chilblains and frostbite are both cold-related skin injuries, but they differ in severity and cause:

  • Chilblains are less severe and result from repeated exposure to cold, damp (but non-freezing) conditions. They cause itchy, red, swollen patches, typically on fingers, toes, ears, or nose.
  • Frostbite is more serious and occurs when skin and underlying tissues actually freeze, potentially causing numbness, discoloration, blistering, and permanent tissue damage.

Key difference: Chilblains involve inflammation from cold exposure, while frostbite involves freezing of the tissue itself.

If you're noticing cold-related skin changes, symptoms can escalate quickly—and knowing whether you're dealing with chilblains, frostbite, or something else entirely is critical to getting the right care fast. Take a free, instant, online symptom check to better understand what's going on and confidently navigate your next steps.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/20/2026

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Important Next Steps

Discover if your skin pain is chilblains or frostbiteLearn whether these cold symptoms need urgent careFind out what might cause your skin changesSee OTC options for cold-related skin symptomsFind a doctor for frostbite or chilblainsUnderstand medically proven home care for chilblainsDiscover likely causes of cold-injured skin symptoms

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Explanation

Chilblains and frostbite are both injuries caused by cold, but they differ in severity and how they happen.

Chilblains:

  • Chilblains occur when the skin is exposed to cold, non-freezing temperatures repeatedly.
  • This can cause red, itchy, and swollen patches on the skin.
  • Chilblains are less severe and usually heal on their own with warmth and protection.

Frostbite:

  • Frostbite happens when the skin and underlying tissues freeze due to extreme cold.
  • It can cause numbness, skin color changes, and even blisters.
  • Frostbite is more serious and can lead to permanent damage if not treated properly.

Understanding these differences helps in recognizing and treating these conditions appropriately. If you're experiencing unusual skin symptoms or reactions to cold, use our free symptom checker to help identify what might be causing your discomfort. Remember to keep warm and protect your skin in cold weather to prevent these injuries.

(References)

  • Long WB 3rd, Edlich RF, Winters KL, & Britt LD. (2005). Cold injuries. Journal of long-term effects of medical implants, 15715518.

  • Rathjen NA, Shahbodaghi SD, & Brown JA. (2019). Hypothermia and Cold Weather Injuries. American family physician, 31790182.

  • Fritz RL, & Perrin DH. (1989). Cold exposure injuries: prevention and treatment. Clinics in sports medicine, 2568185.

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