The good news: with the right know-how, you can prevent most cold injuries and respond effectively if they happen. This guide covers how to recognize frostbite and hypothermia, what to do in the first minutes, what not to do (yes, there are common mistakes), and exactly when to visit urgent care versus the ER.

If you need medical help, AFC Urgent Care Beverly offers fast, walk-in evaluation and treatment, no appointment required, at five convenient locations in Beverly, Swampscott, North Andover, Methuen, and Haverhill. Find the nearest clinic: AFC Urgent Care Beverly.

Find us in Beverly, Swampscott, North Andover, Methuen, and Haverhill: AFC Urgent Care Beverly.

Cold Injuries 101: Frostnip, Frostbite, and Hypothermia

Before we get into first aid, it helps to understand the spectrum of cold injury.

Frostnip (Mild, Reversible)

• What it is: The earliest, superficial cold injury affecting the top layer of skin.
• What you notice: Skin turns pale, cold, and numb or tingly.
• What it means: No permanent tissue damage if rewarmed promptly.

Frostbite (Deeper Tissue Damage)

• What it is: Ice crystals form in tissues; blood flow is reduced, which can damage skin, fat, muscles, and nerves.
• Where it hits: Exposed or poorly insulated areas, fingers, toes, ears, nose, cheeks.
• Why it’s serious: Delayed or improper care can increase tissue loss and risk of infection.

Hypothermia (Whole-Body Temperature Drop)

• What it is: Core body temperature falls below 95°F (35°C).
• Why it’s dangerous: Affects brain and heart function; judgment and coordination decline.
• Who’s at risk: Anyone in cold, windy, or wet conditions, especially older adults, infants, people with chronic illnesses, unhoused individuals, and outdoor workers.

Risk Factors You Shouldn’t Ignore

• Wind: Windchill dramatically speeds heat loss even above freezing.
• Wetness: Rain, sweat, or immersion pulls heat away fast.
• Tight boots or gloves: Reduce circulation to fingers and toes.
• Alcohol and drugs: Impair judgment and heat regulation.
• Fatigue and dehydration: Lower your ability to stay warm.
• Medical conditions: Diabetes, vascular disease, neuropathy, thyroid disorders.
• Age: Young children and older adults lose heat faster.

How to Recognize Frostbite: Stages and Symptoms

Frostbite progresses in recognizable phases. Knowing them helps you act quickly.

Early Frostbite (Superficial)

• Skin looks: Pale, waxy, or gray.
• Feels: Numb, tingling, or “pins and needles.”
• Press test: Skin may feel firm, but deeper tissues remain soft.

Find us in Beverly, Swampscott, North Andover, Methuen, and Haverhill: AFC Urgent Care Beverly.

Moderate Frostbite

• Skin looks: White or gray-yellow; stiff or “wooden.”
• After rewarming, Redness, swelling, and clear blisters may appear in hours.

Severe Frostbite

• Skin looks: Mottled, blue, or black; very hard to the touch.
• After rewarming: Blood-filled blisters, significant swelling, intense pain, or persistent numbness.
• Risk: Tissue death (necrosis) and infection.

If you suspect moderate to severe frostbite, especially with blisters, hard/waxy skin, or color changes, seek medical care the same day. Walk into AFC Urgent Care Beverly for evaluation.

Frostbite First Aid: Step-by-Step

Time matters. Use these steps as soon as you’re in a safe, warm place.

1. Get out of the cold and wind.
2. Move indoors or into a heated car/shelter. Remove wet clothing and replace it with dry, warm layers.
3. Protect the affected area.
4. Loosen tight boots/gloves. Handle gently; do not rub or massage. Friction can worsen tissue damage.
5. Rewarm correctly.

• Use a warm (not hot) water bath, target 99–104°F (37–40°C).
• Submerge the affected area for 15–30 minutes, until color and sensation begin to return and the skin becomes pliable.
• If you can’t measure temperature, test the water with unaffected skin (e.g., elbow). It should feel warm, not scalding.

6. Manage pain.
7. Rewarming can be painful. Over-the-counter ibuprofen may help with pain and inflammation (if safe for you).
8. Air-dry and protect.
9. Gently pat dry; do not rub. Place loose, sterile dressings between toes/fingers to prevent friction. Elevate the limb to reduce swelling.
10. Do not re-expose to cold.
11. Never thaw if there’s a risk of refreezing; refreezing causes more severe damage.
12. Seek medical evaluation if:

• Skin is hard, waxy, mottled, or black.
• Blisters appear (clear or bloody)
• Numbness persists after rewarming.
• Large areas are involved (multiple fingers/toes)
• You have diabetes or poor circulation.

A clinician can assess tissue viability, treat blisters, manage pain, update tetanus, and reduce infection risk. Visit AFC Urgent Care Beverly for same-day care.

Find us in Beverly, Swampscott, North Andover, Methuen, and Haverhill: AFC Urgent Care Beverly.

What Not to Do for Frostbite

• Don’t rub, massage, or apply snow. Increases tissue damage.

• Don’t use dry heat (heating pads, fireplaces, stoves). Numb skin burns easily.

• Don’t pop blisters. Increases infection risk.

• Don’t walk on frostbitten feet if you can avoid it; walking can worsen damage.

• Don’t thaw if refreezing is likely. Wait until you’re sure you can stay warm.

Hypothermia: Signs You Can’t Miss

Hypothermia affects the whole body, and it can look deceptively mild at first.

Mild Hypothermia (95–90°F / 35–32°C)

• Shivering, cold, pale skin
• Numb hands, clumsiness, trouble with zippers or keys
• Slowed thinking, irritability, or mild confusion
• Fast breathing and heart rate

Moderate Hypothermia (89–82°F / 31–28°C)

• Violent shivering or shivering stops (bad sign)
• Slurred speech, increasing confusion, poor coordination
• Drowsiness, apathy, or unusual behavior
• Slow pulse, shallow breathing

Severe Hypothermia (Below 82°F / 28°C)

• Unconsciousness, very slow or absent breathing
• Dilated pupils, dangerously slow heart rate
• Medical emergency

Hypothermia can happen above freezing, especially with wind and wet clothes. Young children and older adults develop symptoms faster.

Hypothermia First Aid: Step-by-Step

1. Call for help if moderate/severe.
2. Call 911 for severe symptoms (unresponsiveness, shallow or absent breathing) or any situation you can’t safely manage.
3. Move gently to warmth.
4. Handle carefully; vigorous movement can trigger dangerous heart rhythms in severe cases. Bring indoors or into a heated vehicle. Remove wet clothing and wrap in dry blankets (including head and neck).
5. Warm the core first.
6. Use warm, dry blankets, sleeping bags, or your own body heat. Apply warm (not hot) compresses to the chest, neck, and back. Avoid direct heat to the limbs.
7. Offer warm drinks if alert.
8. If fully awake and able to swallow, offer warm, sweet drinks (no alcohol). Avoid caffeine in severe cases.
9. Monitor breathing.
10. If breathing slows or becomes irregular, be prepared to start CPR if there’s no pulse and you’re trained. Continue until medical help arrives; hypothermia victims may still recover after prolonged resuscitation.
11. Seek medical evaluation.
12. Even after apparent recovery, hypothermia can cause heart rhythm issues and rebound temperature drops. Get checked the same day.

For prompt evaluation, visit AFC Urgent Care Beverly. For severe symptoms, call 911.

Find us in Beverly, Swampscott, North Andover, Methuen, and Haverhill: AFC Urgent Care Beverly.

Urgent Care vs. ER: Where to Go

Visit AFC Urgent Care Beverly (same day) for:

• Frostnip or mild to moderate frostbite (numbness, waxy skin, blisters after rewarming)

• Localized injuries to fingers, toes, ears, or nose

• Painful rewarming or persistent numbness

• Mild hypothermia symptoms after exposure (shivering, clumsiness, confusion that resolves with warming)

• Tetanus update, wound care, and infection prevention

Go to the ER or call 911 for:

• Severe frostbite (black/mummified tissue, bloody blisters, large areas)
• Severe hypothermia (unconsciousness, no/slow breathing, very slow pulse)
• Chest pain, fainting, or significant confusion
• Whole-body cold exposure with ongoing drowsiness or inability to rewarm
• Children and older adults with concerning symptoms

When in doubt, call your nearest AFC Urgent Care Beverly for guidance or come in for quick triage: Find locations.

How AFC Urgent Care Beverly Can Help

At our five North Shore locations, Beverly, Swampscott, North Andover, Methuen, and Haverhill, we provide:

• Targeted exams for frostbite and hypothermia
• Wound care, sterile dressings, and infection prevention
• Pain control and guidance on blister management
• Tetanus vaccinations when indicated
• Assessment for complications (nerve damage, limited mobility)
• Return-to-work/school notes and step-by-step home care plans
• Referrals to specialists (wound care, vascular, dermatology) if needed

Walk in 7 days a week: AFC Urgent Care Beverly.

Find us in Beverly, Swampscott, North Andover, Methuen, and Haverhill: AFC Urgent Care Beverly.

Winter Prep: How to Prevent Frostbite and Hypothermia

Dress for Success: Layer Smart

• Base layer: Wicks sweat (synthetic or merino wool).
• Insulating layer: Traps heat (fleece, down, wool).
• Outer shell: Windproof/waterproof (jacket and pants).
• Extremities: Insulated gloves/mittens, thermal socks, two-layer hat or hat + hood, scarf or balaclava for face.

Stay Dry

• Change out of wet socks or gloves immediately.
• Avoid cotton next to skin (it soaks and chills).

Protect Fingers and Toes

• Wiggle often. Avoid tight boots. Add toe/hand warmers for prolonged exposure.
• Consider liner gloves so you can briefly remove outer mitts without exposing bare skin.

Fuel and Hydrate

• Eat regular meals and snacks; your body burns more calories staying warm.
• Drink water or warm non-alcoholic beverages; dehydration worsens cold stress.

Watch the Weather

• Check wind chill; dress for the “feels like” temperature.
• Limit exposure to single-digit wind chills or worse.

Buddy Up

• For outdoor work or sports, pair up and do skin checks on the cheeks, ears, nose, and fingers.

Car and Commuting Kit

• Pack a winter kit: blanket, spare hats/gloves, hand warmers, dry socks, water, high-energy snacks, phone charger, small first-aid kit, flashlight, ice scraper, sand/kitty litter for traction.

Special Considerations

Children

• Kids lose heat faster than adults; they also get absorbed in play.
• Dress them in layers and check fingers, toes, ears, and nose frequently.
• If they complain of tingling or numbness, head indoors immediately.

Older Adults

• Reduced circulation, medications, and slower metabolism raise the risk.
• Keep indoor temps at 68°F+ or higher, wear warm layers, and use humidifiers to reduce heat loss through dry skin.

Find us in Beverly, Swampscott, North Andover, Methuen, and Haverhill: AFC Urgent Care Beverly.

Outdoor Workers & Athletes

• Schedule breaks in warm areas, rotate tasks, and drink warm fluids.
• Coaches: set clear cold-weather guidelines, monitor wind chill, and watch for early signs of frostbite.

Medical Conditions

• Diabetes, Raynaud’s, vascular disease, and neuropathy increase risk and mask symptoms.
• Do frequent visual checks; don’t rely on pain as a warning.

Aftercare: What Recovery Looks Like

Following frostbite or hypothermia, healing takes time.

• Skin and nerve recovery: Tingling, sensitivity to cold, or numbness can linger for weeks.

• Blister care: Keep intact; follow the clinician’s instructions on dressings.

• Pain management: Ibuprofen or other medications as directed.

• Infection watch: Redness, warmth, worsening pain, pus, or fever—return for evaluation.

• Follow-up: You may need rechecks to assess tissue viability and healing progress.

AFC providers can track healing, update dressings, and refer when advanced care is needed. Start at AFC Urgent Care Beverly.

FAQs

Can I use a heating pad or hot water to thaw frostbite?

No, burn risk is high with numb skin. Use a warm water bath (99–104°F) and monitor closely.

Do I need antibiotics for frostbite?

Not automatically. We’ll assess for infection risk, blister status, and wound care needs.

Is black skin always dead tissue?

Dark discoloration can indicate severe injury, but outcomes evolve over days to weeks: early evaluation and careful care matter.

If I stop shivering, am I getting better or worse?

In moderate to severe hypothermia, shivering may stop because the body is losing its ability to generate heat; that’s worse. Seek emergency care.

Can a quick “tingle freeze” cause permanent damage?

Frostnip rarely causes lasting harm if rewarmed promptly. Persistent numbness or color changes warrant evaluation.

Key Takeaways

• Frostbite damages tissues locally; hypothermia affects the entire body.
• Act fast: get warm, rewarm safely, protect the skin, and don’t rub.
• Never thaw if refreezing is possible.
• Urgent care is appropriate for mild to moderate frostbite and mild hypothermia after stabilization; ER for severe symptoms.
• Prevention is everything: layers, dryness, wind protection, fuel, hydration, and time limits.
• AFC Urgent Care Beverly offers walk-in care at five convenient North Shore locations: Beverly, Swampscott, North Andover, Methuen, and Haverhill.

Find us in Beverly, Swampscott, North Andover, Methuen, and Haverhill: AFC Urgent Care Beverly. 

Get directions or walk in now: https://www.afcurgentcare.com/massachusetts/