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Frostbite in Children

Frostbite is tissue injury caused by freezing. It most often affects fingers, toes, ears, nose and other areas exposed to cold.

Prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures, wet clothing, wind and direct contact with very cold objects can cause frostbite. Poor circulation can increase the risk.

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AAP Guide to Frostbite in Children

The AAP guide below explains how to rewarm frostbitten skin and when your child needs emergency care.

AAP Symptom CheckerFrostbite

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When to see a doctor

Contact your pediatrician or another healthcare professional if:

  • Skin remains numb, pale, hard or discolored after warming.
  • Blisters develop after cold exposure.
  • Pain or swelling is severe.
  • You are unsure whether the skin has frostbite.

Call 911 or get emergency care if:

  • Your child also has signs of hypothermia such as confusion, extreme sleepiness or abnormal breathing.
  • Frostbite affects a large area or the child is severely ill.
  • You think your child has a life-threatening emergency.

Talk to a nurse now, at any hour

When can my child be seen

Be seen today.

Every office keeps same-day appointments for illness and injury.

This evening or at the weekend.

Most offices run After Hours Care, by appointment rather than walk-in.

If you are worried, call. We would rather answer a question that turns out to be nothing.

More on knocks, pain and injuries

See the rest of this group and all 164 symptoms