Frostbite occurs when skin and underlying tissues freeze due to exposure to extremely cold temperatures. It commonly affects fingers, toes, ears, and the nose. While frostbite can range in severity from mild (frostnip) to severe (deep frostbite), the recovery time depends on the depth of the tissue damage and the speed of medical intervention. Continue reading to learn more about the different frostbite stages and the typical duration of each.
For same-day care, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Denver Leetsdale. Our medical team specializes in a wide range of services for patients of all ages. Simply walk-in or plan your visit in advance below!
Understanding Frostbite
Frostbite is caused by temperatures below the freezing point of 32 degrees Fahrenheit. If you stay outside for a prolonged period under very cold weather, your body reacts by signaling to blood vessels supplying function to your nose, mouth, and ears to tighten. This reduces the rate of blood flow from the vessels to the skin, as blood is channeled to vital organs providing them with enough oxygen and nutrients. As a result, only a small amount of blood is exposed to the cold environment. Frostbite primarily causes a cold feeling followed by numbness, which can progress into more severe stages.
The Stages of Frostbite: Symptoms and Duration
Frostbite occurs in various stages and each stage is accompanied by unique signs and symptoms. In most cases, this condition might start off with mild symptoms and progress to permanent tissue damage if left untreated.
Stage 1: Frostnip
This is the mildest form of frostbite, where only the skin’s surface is affected. During this first stage, your skin may start to change color from normal to red and purple. You may also experience numbness and tingling sensations. These symptoms will resolve within a few hours after rewarming the affected area.
Stage 2: Superficial Frostbite
The second stage of frostbite is more serious as it involves deeper layers of the skin. During this stage, your skin may appear pale, hard, and waxy, followed by swelling and blistering as it rewarms. Healing time can take up to several weeks depending on the extent of tissue injury. Blisters may require additional care to prevent infection.
Stage 3: Deep Frostbite
This is the most severe stage, where damage extends to muscles, nerves, and bones. Symptoms include skin turning black as tissues die, significant swelling, and potential loss of sensation. Healing can take months and requires surgical intervention in some cases.
First-Aid Treatment For Frostbite
Once you notice the early signs of frostbite on your skin, follow these steps:
- Stay indoors and away from freezing weather
- Remove all cold-weather boots and gloves and replace them with dry clothing
- Bathe in warm water for 30 minutes
- Gently cover affected areas with a blanket
- Avoid walking on frozen toes
- Drink a warm beverage
- Avoid rubbing the affected skin area
- Take a pain reliever
After first aid treatment, the next step is seeking help from a medical professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Get Same-Day Care at AFC Urgent Care Denver Leetsdale
Frostbite is a serious condition that requires proper care for recovery. If you’re experiencing mild frostnip, come visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Denver Leetsdale for a thorough evaluation and tailored treatment plan. Our medical team can help treat your frostnip before it progresses to a more severe stage. Prompt action can make a significant difference in your healing journey. Our urgent care center is conveniently located at 850 S Monaco Pkwy, Suite 10 in Denver, CO. We’re open seven days a week and appointments are never required to be seen by a board-certified medical provider.
Our facility accepts most health insurance plans and offers cost-effective options for self-paying patients. If you have any additional questions about the services we provide, please contact our team directly at (303) 935-1000.
