Which statement about frostbite is true?

• A. Frostbite is typically limited to the toes and fingers only.
• B. The first sign includes blanching, with redness in light-skinned individuals and lightening of the skin in dark-skinned individuals.
• C. It cannot cause tissue loss.
• D. It occurs due to heat exposure.

Answer: (B)

Frostbite starts with a disruption of blood flow to freezing skin and underlying tissues, so the first visible clue is a change in color caused by vasoconstriction. That blanching—the skin turning pale or white—reflects reduced perfusion. How this color change looks depends on skin tone: in lighter-skinned individuals, you may see redness after the area is warmed and circulation returns, while in darker-skinned individuals the blanching often appears as a lighter or ashen patch rather than red. This pattern fits the statement describing the initial sign and its variation with skin color. Remember, frostbite is caused by freezing temperatures, can affect more than just toes and fingers, and can lead to tissue loss in severe cases.