What are late signs of frostbite?

• A. Redness only
• B. Blisters and swelling
• C. Numbness
• D. Heat sensation

Answer: (B)

Late signs of frostbite reflect deeper tissue injury. When frostbite has progressed, the damaged skin and underlying layers often thaw with fluid buildup, leading to blistering. Swelling is the body's inflammatory response to freezing injury and tissue damage. Together, blistering and swelling signal that the damage isn’t just superficial and that medical evaluation is important.

Redness can occur with irritation or after rewarming but isn’t the hallmark of late frostbite. Numbness tends to appear earlier in the freezing process, as nerves are affected, rather than as a late sign. A heat sensation doesn’t fit frostbite and is not a typical late finding.