Which statement describes frostbite skin sensation?

Which statement describes frostbite skin sensation?

• A. Pale, waxy appearing cold skin
• B. Usually painless
• C. Very delayed or no capillary refill
• D. Usually also hypothermic

Answer: (B)

Frostbite primarily changes sensation because freezing tissue shuts down the local nerves. While the tissue is frozen, sensation is diminished, so the area feels numb and is often described as painless. This numb, lack-of-pain state is a classic sign during the freezing portion. After thawing, the person may experience pain or a burning/tingling feeling as blood flow returns and nerves react again. The skin may look pale or waxy, but that describes appearance, not sensation. Frostbite can occur even if the rest of the body isn’t severely cold, so you don’t rely on the whole-body temperature to judge it.

Frostbite primarily changes sensation because freezing tissue shuts down the local nerves. While the tissue is frozen, sensation is diminished, so the area feels numb and is often described as painless. This numb, lack-of-pain state is a classic sign during the freezing portion. After thawing, the person may experience pain or a burning/tingling feeling as blood flow returns and nerves react again. The skin may look pale or waxy, but that describes appearance, not sensation. Frostbite can occur even if the rest of the body isn’t severely cold, so you don’t rely on the whole-body temperature to judge it.