When to Seek Medical Care

If you suspect that you have frostbite or immersion injury, do not call the doctor. Go to a hospital’s Emergency Department. If you suspect that you have pernio or other cold-induced injuries, you should call your doctor.

If you have any white hard areas on hands, feet, or other parts of the body or if you had white areas that have thawed, go to the Emergency Department for treatment of frostbite.

If your hands or feet have been cold and wet for an hour or longer, you may have immersion injury and should also go to the Emergency Department.

If a part of your body that has been exposed to cold is painful, go to the Emergency Department.