Risk factors

The following factors increase the risk of frostbite:

• Medical conditions that affect your ability to feel or respond to cold, such as dehydration, excessive sweating, exhaustion, diabetes and poor blood flow in the limbs
• Alcohol or drug use
• Smoking
• Fear, panic or mental illness that impairs your judgment
• Previous frostbite or cold injury
• Being an infant or older adult, both of whom may have a harder time producing and retaining body heat
• Being at high altitude, where there's less oxygen