Frostbite, if not treated promptly, may lead to what severe outcome?

• A. No lasting effects
• B. Quick recovery with no damage
• C. Tissue death necessitating amputation
• D. Only temporary numbness

Answer: (C)

Untreated frostbite can cause permanent tissue damage because freezing injures cells and blocks blood flow to the affected area. If blood supply isn’t restored quickly, cells die (necrosis), and dead tissue can become infected and break down further, sometimes leading to gangrene. In severe cases, the extent of tissue death is enough that the limb or part must be amputated to remove nonviable tissue and prevent life-threatening complications. While milder frostbite might have little lasting effect or only temporary numbness, those outcomes don’t reflect the potential progression without prompt care. That’s why tissue death necessitating amputation is the most serious possible outcome.