Could I have frostbite?

Today I was required to be outside for about two hours. It was about -10 degrees but felt much colder, especially with the windchill. Although I was wearing mittens my hands became extremely cold and turned purplish-blue after about twenty minutes. They began to hurt and they were very painful, not to mention numb. I was not permitted to go inside to warm them. After awhile, they still hurt but not as badly. Now that they are warm and "thawed", my fingers are very sore. Could I have minor frostbite? What can I do to make them feel less sore? Thank you

It was actually -18 degrees with the windchill.

It's possible. But as long as your fingers are pink you should have good circulation and the pain will gradually subside.

Sounds more like a mild case of frostnip.

Do's and don'ts of treating frostnip and frostbite

* Don't: expose skin to direct heat or hot water
* rub skin in an attempt to warm it
* try to re-warm skin until you get to hospital
* try to break any blisters

* Do: remove clothing and immerse the skin in lukewarm water as soon as possible if you can't get to hospital right away;
* dry skin gently, without rubbing;
* apply a dressing if the skin has blistered
* walk on a frozen foot, if necessary, rather than on a foot that has been re-warmed; it will cause less tissue damage.

Signs of frostnip include:
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loss of some sensation in extremities, face or other skin exposed to cold;
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the appearance of areas of white, waxy skin in a Caucasian person or pink or red areas in a person with darker skin.

If left unchecked, frostnip can turn into frostbite, which is heralded by:
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complete loss of sensation in skin;
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development of a hard texture to skin.

Frostbite is much more serious than frostnip and can lead to a lifelong sensitivity to cold in the part of the body affected. In extreme cases, frostbite can lead to gangrene and loss of the affected areas, such as part of an ear, nose, lips, fingers or toes.

Five things you can do to prevent frostnip and frostbite

1. Beware the wind chill factor. High winds plus cold temperatures add up to wind chill, which increases the impact of freezing temperatures on the body's ability to stay warm. When the wind chill factor is high, the body loses heat faster and it takes less time for the skin to freeze than when there is no wind.


2. Cover your head, face (including ears and nose), hands and feet. The extremities are the most vulnerable to frostbite. Mitts keep the hands warmer than gloves because the fingers generate heat together instead of separately. Wear two pairs of socks or a double-layer sock. Scarves and balaclavas protect the face, and warm the air before it is breathed in.


3. Keep dry. Wear waterproof boots and a double-layer sock: the outer layer wicks away or absorbs moisture and the inner layer stays dry. Similarly, avoid 100% cotton clothing. Cotton retains moisture and therefore holds perspiration against the body and causes you to become chilled (hypothermia). Instead, look for clothing made out of polycotton 50/50 blend, synthetic and fleece. Silk and wool are also good heat-retaining, moisture-wicking fabrics.


4. Wear layers. A winter coat with a light shirt or T-shirt underneath is not the best way to go. Think of wearing at least three layers. First, a layer of underwear that fits snugly, keeps skin dry and wicks away perspiration. Clothes made with acrylic or propylene鈥攁 very light fabric that absorbs moisture and pushes humidity towards the outside to the second layer鈥攚ill keep you dry and are a good choice for a middle layer. On top, you need an insulating layer that traps air between the two other layers and warms up the body. Nylon or other synthetic materials will protect the body from wind or rain and "breathe," releasing humidity.


5. Eat and drink. The impact of cold temperatures on the body is greater if you are hungry and/or thirsty. For this reason, it's very important to make sure that you are sufficiently fed and hydrated before you go outside. If you are exercising outdoors, such as cross-country skiing, make sure that you take drinks and snacks with you.

if you yourself typed up this question, then
NO.

If they arnt black i wouldnt worry about it, just keep them warm.

How long was a while?

I just put my hands/feet in hot water and leave them for a while and they get better.

It's hard to say because you didn't say how long, but if it stays like that, then see a Doctor, because it should be getting better.

I mean stays as in like, for hours

yeah you probably do have frost bite

maybe......
soak it in warm water ..that will be make it feel better

You may get it if you stay out in the cold much.