Frostnip is the mildest form of cold injury to the skin. Signs of frostnip include:
- Redness or paleness of the skin
- Mild pain
- Tingly or numb sensation in body parts exposed to the cold
Frostnip doesn’t require a trip to your healthcare provider, but it is an indicator that your skin has already started to become affected and that continued exposure could lead to a more serious form of frostbite.
You can treat frostnip by getting warm. This includes:
- Finding a warm shelter
- Covering up with layers of dry clothing
- Blowing warm air from your mouth through cupped hands around the affected area
- Warming the extremity by using body heat, such as putting your fingers in your armpit