Frostbite Frostbite occurs when freezing injures the body tissue.  The degree of injury correlates to the depth of frozen tissue. Mild cases -- numbness, prickling, and itching Deeper tissues -- loss of sensation and stiffness Severe -- skin becomes white or yellow and loses its elasticity; the extremity becomes swollen, blisters, forms dead/gangrenous (dark or black) tissue Mild -- place warm hand on affected area. If the hands become affected, place them in the armpits.  If toes become affected, remove footwear, dry the feet, and replace with dry footwear. More severe -- re-warming affected area in moving water bath at 104-107 degrees Protect affected part Protect skin blebs if they occur. Mild soaks with soapy water Antibiotics for deep infections Warmed intravenous fluids, gastric (stomach) lavage with warmed fluids, and oxygen may be needed in some cases. Peritoneal or hemodialysis may be done in severe cases. Physical therapy as needed Surgical treatment, only if absolutely necessary.  Rarely, amputation is required as a last resort. Warnings: Do not to re-warm frostbitten limbs with exercise or by rubbing with snow or ice water. Do not re-warm unless you are sure you can prevent re-freezing -- thawing and then re-freezing can cause worse damage to the tissues. Elderly, homeless, those with illnesses (e.g., psychiatric, vascular), smokers, drug abusers, and infants are at risk.