What it is
The risk is higher in very cold, wet or windy weather, at high altitude, and for people with poor circulation.
Affected areas should be warmed gently, not rubbed. Severe cases need hospital treatment and, rarely, surgery.
Common signs
- Cold, painful, prickly skin
- Numbness
- Skin turning white, grey-yellow, blue or red
- Hard or waxy-looking skin
- Blisters after warming
How it is usually diagnosed
- Examination of the affected areas
- Scans, sometimes, to check blood flow
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- Emergency or hospital discharge letters
- Photos of the affected areas over time
- Follow-up notes
Questions to ask your doctor
- Will there be lasting damage?
- How should I care for the skin while it heals?
- How can I protect myself in future?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- Skin that is hard, pale or blistered, or signs of hypothermia such as confusion or slurred speech: call 112
This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.