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How to Prevent Frostbite: Warning Signs and What to Do

Numbness and pale, waxy skin are early warnings. Here’s how the National Weather Service and NIOSH say to dress, spot frostbite and warm up safely.

By SHOP & SPOT EditorsLast reviewed Nov 9, 2026Research-based guide · 3 sources

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A pair of mittens in fresh snow.

Photo: White Wings on Unsplash

This guide is for anyone spending time outside in the cold this winter, from skiers and hikers to dog walkers and people waiting at bus stops.

Frostbite happens when skin and the tissue under it freeze. Fingers, toes, ears, nose and cheeks are most at risk. It’s easier to prevent than to treat, and the early signs are easy to miss when you’re busy.

Know the warning signs

The National Weather Service describes frostbite as a loss of feeling in the affected area and a white or pale appearance.1 NIOSH lists numbness and bluish or pale, waxy skin.3

If you notice these signs, the NWS Duluth office says to get medical help immediately and slowly rewarm the affected areas.2

How to prevent it

  • Dress in layers. The NWS advises several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing and a tightly woven, water-repellent, hooded outer layer.1
  • Cover your head and hands. Wear a hat, and choose mittens snug at the wrist, which the NWS says are better than gloves.1
  • Protect the edges. NIOSH says to protect the ears, face, hands and feet in extremely cold or wet weather.3
  • Watch the wind chill. It’s how cold it feels on skin, per the NWS.1

Our advice: stay dry. Change out of wet gloves and socks as soon as you can, and take warm-up breaks indoors.

What to do (and not do)

Do Don’t
Get out of the cold Massage or rub the area. NIOSH says rubbing may cause more damage3
Rewarm slowly with warm, not hot, water, as the NWS advises1 Use a heating pad, fireplace or radiator to warm it. NIOSH warns against these3
Get medical help2 Walk on frostbitten feet if you can avoid it (our advice)

Numb skin can’t feel heat, so it burns easily. That’s why gentle warming matters.

Before you go out

  • Check the wind chill in the forecast.
  • Layer up, with a hat, mittens and face cover.
  • Pack dry spare gloves and socks.
  • Know the signs: numbness and pale or waxy skin.

For a full layering plan, see how to dress for cold weather.

Sources & method

How we researched this

  • This is a research-based guide, not a hands-on product test.
  • Every measurement and safety figure is attributed to the source it comes from. Where we give our own advice, we say so.
  • We don’t rank or recommend specific products in this guide.

Sources

  1. Wind Chill Questions, National Weather Service (NOAA). Accessed Nov 9, 2026.
  2. Stay Safe in the Extreme Cold, National Weather Service. Accessed Nov 9, 2026.
  3. Protecting Yourself from Cold Stress (Fast Facts), CDC / National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Accessed Nov 9, 2026.

Review history

  • Published Nov 9, 2026.