How Long Does It Take To Get Frostbite?

It depends on how cold it is, how long one is exposed to the cold and what one is wearing during said exposure. Wind chill is also a critical consideration. According to Environment Canada, risk of frostbite increases considerably when the temperature with wind chill accounted dips below -27°C (-16.6°F). For example, wind chill between -28°C (-18.4°F) and -39°C (-38.2°F) can lead to frostbite if skin is exposed between 10 and 30 minutes. Below -40°C (-40°F) can lead to frostbite in under 10 minutes. Below -55°C (-67°F)? Two minutes or less is all is takes for tissue damage.

Click here for a specific list of tips on what to wear and what to do to prevent frostbite broken down by temperature.

Other factors to consider include age (infants lose heat faster than adults), health (diabetics suffer from poor circulation and are thus more vulnerable), and body characteristics (someone who is tall and willowy will lose body heat faster than a short and stocky individual).

Sources: About.com First Aid, eMedecineHealth, Medscape, WebMD, Environment Canada, CBC

Frostbite FAQs

• What is frostbite?
• What does frostbite look like?
• How long does it take to get frostbitten?
• Could you provide me with a breakdown of what to wear and what to do depending on the temperature and wind chill index?
• How do I prevent frostbite?
• What are the symptoms of frostbite?
• Who is most susceptible to frostbite?
• Who gets frostbite the most though?
• I think I may be frostbitten. What should I do?