Which S/S indicate frostbite?

• A. Hard, frozen tissue
• B. Pale warm skin
• C. Immediate sweating
• D. Increased sensation in affected area

Answer: (A)

Frostbite occurs when exposed tissue actually freezes, causing cellular damage and reduced blood flow. The most telling sign is tissue that feels hard and frozen to the touch, often with a waxy, pale appearance and numbness. This stiffness happens because ice crystals form inside cells and perfusion drops dramatically, making the area rigid rather than pliable. Sweating is not a feature of frostbite, and frostbitten tissue is not warm; in fact, it tends to be cold or numb as nerves and vessels are affected. Increased sensation isn’t typical because nerve function is impaired and sensation often diminishes or is lost in affected areas.