What is the third stage of frost bite?

• A. Red or flushed skin
• B. Firm white skin
• C. Blisters and blue skin
• D. Numbness

Answer: (C)

Frostbite develops in progressive stages, with each stage showing deeper tissue involvement. The final, third stage reflects deep freezing of the tissue, where blood flow is severely impaired and the skin often appears blue or mottled and becomes numb or very painful as it rewarms. Blister formation is common at this stage, and the combination of blisters with blue skin is the hallmark that signals deep frostbite. That’s why this option best matches the third stage. Early signs like red or flushed skin or a firm white (waxy) skin describe earlier stages, while numbness can occur early as well but isn’t the defining feature of the deepest stage.