SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/ski-frostbite-warm-not-hot

To rewarm frostbitten fingers in water, how warm should it be?

Warm, not hot, comfortable to unaffected skin.

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  1. As hot as you can stand
  2. Warm, comfortable to the touch, not hot ✔
  3. Ice water to thaw them slowly

Why: Numb skin cannot feel heat well, so hot water, heating pads or a stove can burn it. Use comfortably warm water and see a health care provider.

Huh, didn't know that: CDC also says not to warm frostbite with a heat lamp, fireplace or radiator.

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What do snowmen get at a Mexican restaurant? Brrrr-itos.
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References

Answer: Warm, comfortable to the touch, not hot. Numb skin cannot feel heat well, so hot water, heating pads or a stove can burn it. Use comfortably warm water and see a health care provider.

  1. MedlinePlus: Frostbite medlineplus.gov/frostbite.html
    Since frostbite makes an area numb, you could burn it.
    Checked 2026-10-10.
  2. CDC: Preventing Frostbite www.cdc.gov/winter-weather/prevention/preventing-frostbite.html
    comfortable to the touch for unaffected parts of the body
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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