Record cold triggers frostbite surge across U.S., doctors warn of rapid tissue damage
By isabelle // 2026-01-29
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  • A brutal nationwide freeze is causing a sharp spike in serious frostbite injuries.
  • Frostbite is a progressive tissue injury that can advance to amputation.
  • It can strike exposed skin in under five minutes in extreme wind chills.
  • Rapid rewarming in warm water is the critical first step for treatment.
  • Prevention through layered clothing and limiting exposure is essential.
A deep and dangerous freeze has locked the nation in its icy grip, and the human cost is now surging through hospital doors. From the Upper Midwest to the Mid-Atlantic, record-setting cold and persistent snowfall are creating life-threatening conditions, leading to a sharp increase in cold-related injuries. Among the most serious is frostbite, a severe freezing injury that doctors report is spiking as this brutal winter refuses to relent. This isn't just about discomfort; it's a race against time to prevent permanent damage. Hospitals nationwide are noting the uptick. Hennepin Healthcare's HCMC in Minneapolis has already treated 25 frostbite cases this season, following 78 total last winter. Physicians warn that with wind chills plunging to 45 degrees below zero there, frostbite can strike exposed skin in as little as five minutes. "This weather is potentially deadly and can cause long-term effects," said Dr. Tom Masters, an emergency physician at HCMC. The message is clear: this cold is not to be underestimated.

The four degrees of frostbite

Frostbite is a progressive destruction of tissue, advancing through distinct phases of severity. It begins with the pre-freeze phase, where blood vessels constrict. Next is the freeze-thaw phase, where ice crystals form inside cells, causing catastrophic damage. This leads to vascular stasis and finally the late ischemic phase, marked by blood clots and tissue death. The visible symptoms chart a grim path from numbness and redness to waxy, firm skin, then blisters, and ultimately blackened, dead tissue requiring amputation. "Early frostbite often causes intense cold, tingling, burning or sharp pain, which can progress to numbness as skin temperature falls below 50 degrees Fahrenheit," explained Dr. Emily R. Nadelmann, a board-certified dermatologist. "Before rewarming, affected skin may first appear red, then turn waxy white and feel firm or 'wooden.'" The full injury only becomes clear after thawing, often revealing damage deeper than initially apparent.

Rapid rewarming is critical

The cornerstone of treatment is immediate and proper action. The critical step is rapid rewarming by immersing the frozen area in water warmed to 99 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 to 30 minutes. "Water should feel comfortably warm, slightly above body temperature, not hot," Nadelmann advised. Rubbing the area or using dry heat like a fireplace can cause further injury. It is imperative to seek professional treatment within the first 24 hours to reduce amputation risk, with severe cases needing specialized burn center care. Why does it happen so fast? The freezing process itself numbs the nerves, creating a dangerous illusion. Dr. Adam Friedman, chair of dermatology at George Washington University, emphasizes this is a vascular crisis. "(When) we think about frostbite, this is not just about skin, it’s about blood flow. It’s about our blood vessels," he said. The cold constricts vessels, reduces oxygen, and allows ice crystals to form, damaging skin and deeper tissues. Certain groups face higher risk. Factors like peripheral vascular disease, diabetes, smoking, and certain medications increase vulnerability. Notably, Raynaud's syndrome, which causes reversible color changes in fingers and toes, can heighten susceptibility but is distinct from true frostbite. "Unlike the reversible color changes and discomfort seen in Raynaud’s attacks," Nadelmann said, "frostbite results in true cellular injury, inflammation and lack of blood flow, which can progress to tissue death."

Prevention through preparation

The best defense is a proactive one. "Frostbite can be prevented by keeping exposed skin warm, dry and protected from wind while maintaining good circulation," Nadelmann recommended. The universal advice from medical experts is layered clothing, mittens over gloves, and avoiding tight garments that restrict blood flow. Staying hydrated and limiting exposure are paramount. "Limit exposure, check skin sites often and rewarm early if numbness or pain sets in," Friedman said. While modern forecasting provides warning, the ultimate responsibility for protection lies with the individual. Listening to your body’s signals – pain, tingling, and numbness – is the first line of defense. As this prolonged winter event continues, understanding the grave reality of frostbite moves from academic knowledge to essential, potentially life-saving information. The cold may be relentless, but with prepared vigilance, its most severe consequences can be prevented. Sources for this article include: NYPost.com WTOP.com CBSNews.com
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