Which sign is associated with superficial frostbite rather than deep frostbite?

• A. Pale, cold, numb skin
• B. Red, warm, tingly skin
• C. Swollen, irritated tissue with heat
• D. Warm, pliable tissue

Answer: (A)

Superficial frostbite affects only the outer layers of skin, so the hallmark is skin that looks pale from reduced blood flow, feels cold, and is numb due to early ice formation and vasoconstriction. This pale, cold, numb presentation signals that only the surface is involved. In deeper frostbite, tissue becomes hard or waxy and may lose sensation as freezing penetrates further, with different signs like firm or frozen feel and possible blistering later. The other descriptions point to heat-related issues or normal skin: red, warm, and tingly suggests warming or irritation; swollen, irritated tissue with heat implies a burn; warm, pliable tissue isn’t frostbite. So the pale, cold, numb skin best identifies superficial frostbite.