Frostbite is an injury to the skin, and sometimes the deeper tissues of the body due to freezing or formation of ice crystals in the tissue cells. Frostbite usually develops when the air temperature is below 10? F (12? C), but may occur at a temperature nearer the freezing point of 32? F (0? C) when other elements, such as high winds, dampness, or general chilling of the body, are present. The onset of frostbite causes little discomfort and may not be noticed by the victim because the cold has an anesthetic effect on the tissues.
Frostbite develops in three stages: a reddening of the ski…
