# I have frostbitten feet **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [March 15, 2015, 8:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-frostbitten-feet/715061 "2015-03-15T20:31:07Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Cabin\_Fever\_1](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cabin_fever_1/32/2908_2.png) [@Cabin\_Fever\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cabin_Fever_1)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2015, 8:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-frostbitten-feet/715061/1 "2015-03-15T20:31:07Z")
Mundane, pointless. Except I had to visit ER for treatment. Blisters the size of Antarctica on the bottoms of my feet. I, at this time, do not recommend winter camping in latitudes above 45 degrees N. However, I am in a nice ER room with cute nurses, with a TV remote and cable TV while I wait for the doctor to come tell me how stupid I was and not to do this again. So yeppers, I already know this, but here is some free advice to people more stupid than I: Change your boots and socks. I left mine on wet and frozen for 4 days while camping. Big mistake, Yeah. The term “Idiot” comes to mind right about now thank you very much. ---
**Author:** ![bobkitty](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/c67d28/32.png) [@bobkitty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bobkitty)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2015, 9:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-frostbitten-feet/715061/2 "2015-03-15T21:10:23Z")
> [@Cabin\_Fever](#): > > I left mine on wet and frozen for 4 days while camping. The entire time, even while sleeping? Why?? ---
**Author:** ![NinjaChick](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/71c47a/32.png) [@NinjaChick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NinjaChick)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2015, 11:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-frostbitten-feet/715061/3 "2015-03-15T23:00:35Z")
Oh dear. I hope the damage isn’t too bad, and that you are treated to the very best in painkillers and cute nurses. (Next time, why not bring some more socks?) ---
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2015, 11:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-frostbitten-feet/715061/4 "2015-03-15T23:34:12Z")
40+ years ago I had a brush with frost bite on my feet. Might even be appropriate to call it “frost nip”. It hurt like hell. The doc told me that the pain was a good sign, it meant the nerves were still alive. My condolences. Get better soon. I’ve been pretty anal about clean, dry socks ever since. And dry shoes/boots. ---
**Author:** ![Northern\_Piper](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/northern_piper/32/5304_2.png) [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2015, 11:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-frostbitten-feet/715061/5 "2015-03-15T23:46:38Z")
> [@Cabin\_Fever](#): > > Blisters the size of Antarctica on the bottoms of my feet. I’m sorry to hear that. Frostbite hurts! > [@](#): > > I, at this time, do not recommend winter camping in latitudes above 45 degrees N. I wouldn’t go that far. Winter camping is quite doable north of 45, and in fact, north of 49, as I can attest from personal experience. > [@](#): > > However, I am in a nice ER room with cute nurses, with a TV remote and cable TV Could be a lot worse. > [@](#): > > here is some free advice to people more stupid than I: > Change your boots and socks. > I left mine on wet and frozen for 4 days while camping. :eek: 😕 :eek: **Cabin\_Fever** , dear friend, please believe me that I mean this in the nicest, most respectful way: JESUS, MARY AND JOSEPH, WHAT THE HELL WERE YOU THINKING, YOU IDJIT!?! (Whew! Glad I got that off my chest.) Look, I don’t know much about winter camping, but the basic rule in sub-zero activities is: keep your head, hands and feet dry. If they get wet, get them dry again as quickly as possible. The extremities are where frostbite bites! (I’m sure **Muffin** will be along shortly to give the same advice, based on much more personal experience, and likely more tactfully. 🙂 ) In any event, hope you get well soon. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Lorene89095](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/a8b319/32.png) [@Lorene89095](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lorene89095)\ **Post date:** [March 16, 2015, 1:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-frostbitten-feet/715061/6 "2015-03-16T01:07:35Z")
I never been in weather that cold,in fact I’ve lived in Texas all my life and I know better than that!! Honestly,were you DRUNK?? I hope you don’t loose your FEET… ---
**Author:** ![Cabin\_Fever\_1](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cabin_fever_1/32/2908_2.png) [@Cabin\_Fever\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cabin_Fever_1)\ **Post date:** [March 16, 2015, 1:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-frostbitten-feet/715061/7 "2015-03-16T01:23:33Z")
Good lord! I am fine. It was circumstances beyond my control why I didn’t take my boots off for 4 days and appreciate being called an idjit 🆒. Frostbite is a serious matter and I have never had it this bad before. There is a TLDR story behind all this, however long story short…went to old campsite through knee-deep snow and decided to stay a few days. No change of clothing and as it was f\*\*\*ing freezing, decided to keep my boots on to keep my feet warm (supposedly) during the nights. Idjit, yes :smack: ---
**Author:** ![Chefguy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chefguy/32/138_2.png) [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Post date:** [March 16, 2015, 1:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-frostbitten-feet/715061/8 "2015-03-16T01:42:05Z")
It’s not only serious; it’s also the gift that will keep on giving. Your feet will get cold more easily for the rest of your life. I frostbit both ears in -65F weather about 50 years ago and cold wind still makes them hurt. ---
**Author:** ![Cabin\_Fever\_1](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cabin_fever_1/32/2908_2.png) [@Cabin\_Fever\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cabin_Fever_1)\ **Post date:** [March 16, 2015, 1:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-frostbitten-feet/715061/9 "2015-03-16T01:47:02Z")
> [@bobkitty](#): > > The entire time, even while sleeping? Why?? Because it was cold freezing and didn’t want to walk around or sleep in bare feet. There is more to this story than I possibly should reveal. ---
**Author:** ![Cabin\_Fever\_1](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cabin_fever_1/32/2908_2.png) [@Cabin\_Fever\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cabin_Fever_1)\ **Post date:** [March 16, 2015, 1:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-frostbitten-feet/715061/10 "2015-03-16T01:49:22Z")
> [@Chefguy](#): > > It’s not only serious; it’s also the gift that will keep on giving. Your feet will get cold more easily for the rest of your life. I frostbit both ears in -65F weather about 50 years ago and cold wind still makes them hurt. True. Been there as a kid My fingers go first, then my toes and ears. ---
**Author:** ![Muffin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/muffin/32/4341_2.png) [@Muffin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Muffin)\ **Post date:** [March 16, 2015, 1:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-frostbitten-feet/715061/11 "2015-03-16T01:58:19Z")
> [@Northern\_Piper](#): > > (I’m sure **Muffin** will be along shortly to give the same advice, based on much more personal experience, and likely more tactfully. 🙂 ) Curious as to what happened. ---
**Author:** ![Cabin\_Fever\_1](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cabin_fever_1/32/2908_2.png) [@Cabin\_Fever\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cabin_Fever_1)\ **Post date:** [March 16, 2015, 2:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-frostbitten-feet/715061/12 "2015-03-16T02:04:42Z")
> [@Lorene89095](#): > > I never been in weather that cold,in fact I’ve lived in Texas all my life and I know better than that!! > Honestly,were you DRUNK?? > I hope you don’t loose your FEET… Actually, drinking any sort of alcohol-based product will constrict your blood vessels (sp?) and make you die quicker in the wild. But to answer you question: I wish 😃 BTW, I am from Houston myself, glad to meet you. ---
**Author:** ![Cabin\_Fever\_1](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cabin_fever_1/32/2908_2.png) [@Cabin\_Fever\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cabin_Fever_1)\ **Post date:** [March 16, 2015, 2:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-frostbitten-feet/715061/13 "2015-03-16T02:09:37Z")
> [@Muffin](#): > > Curious as to what happened. Well, my feet are still attached to my legs although I may limp around for a few days or so. You are welcome to call me an idjut as well. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Cabin\_Fever\_1](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cabin_fever_1/32/2908_2.png) [@Cabin\_Fever\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cabin_Fever_1)\ **Post date:** [March 16, 2015, 2:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-frostbitten-feet/715061/14 "2015-03-16T02:25:23Z")
> [@Muffin](#): > > Curious as to what happened. LOL. I have videos of it! But it mostly of deer, spring birds, geese and ducks flying north, chick-a-dees pecking on the trees, squirrels eating the trail-mix I left out for the migrating birds (the bastards!). Sadly my frozen boots and feet never made to the camera. ---
**Author:** ![Northern\_Piper](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/northern_piper/32/5304_2.png) [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Post date:** [March 16, 2015, 2:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-frostbitten-feet/715061/15 "2015-03-16T02:36:58Z")
> [@Cabin\_Fever](#): > > Good lord! I am fine. It was circumstances beyond my control why I didn’t take my boots off for 4 days and appreciate being called an idjit 🆒. I was just lying for some hyperbole. My apologies. In all seriousness, I hope you have a full recovery without lingering side effects. ---
**Author:** ![Cabin\_Fever\_1](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cabin_fever_1/32/2908_2.png) [@Cabin\_Fever\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cabin_Fever_1)\ **Post date:** [March 16, 2015, 2:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-frostbitten-feet/715061/16 "2015-03-16T02:55:23Z")
> [@Northern\_Piper](#): > > I was just lying for some hyperbole. My apologies. > > In all seriousness, I hope you have a full recovery without lingering side effects. No apologies necessary and thanks for the sympathies. I love the hyperbole even though I can not spell it on my Android phone. Even when I get a strong signal. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Northern\_Piper](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/northern_piper/32/5304_2.png) [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Post date:** [March 16, 2015, 3:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-frostbitten-feet/715061/17 "2015-03-16T03:25:06Z")
> [@Northern\_Piper](#): > > I was just [del]lying[/del] trying for some hyperbole. My apologies. :smack: stupid fat-fingering iPhone :smack: ---
**Author:** ![SeaDragonTattoo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/df705f/32.png) [@SeaDragonTattoo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SeaDragonTattoo)\ **Post date:** [March 16, 2015, 3:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-frostbitten-feet/715061/18 "2015-03-16T03:51:38Z")
Well, at least you still have your fingers and your nose. But seriously, if I had done the same without plans to stay, and then decided to stay, but then realized I had no change of footwear or a way to dry out what I was wearing, time to hike back to the car. ---
**Author:** ![Honey](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/honey/32/5074_2.png) [@Honey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Honey)\ **Post date:** [March 16, 2015, 4:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-frostbitten-feet/715061/19 "2015-03-16T04:42:52Z")
> [@Cabin\_Fever](#): > > Well, my feet are still attached to my legs although I may limp around for a few days or so. > You are welcome to call me an idjut as well. 🙂 How about big dummy? 😉 So it was a spur of the moment trip, and you didn’t have any gear with you? That’s how people die. Seriously, don’t do that again. /Mom voice ---
**Author:** ![August\_West](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/august_west/32/18069_2.png) [@August\_West](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/August_West)\ **Post date:** [March 16, 2015, 2:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-frostbitten-feet/715061/20 "2015-03-16T14:24:14Z")
I had a weird one 2 weekends ago, I was outside in ~28°F weather and had put on some fairly thin work gloves just to protect my hands from the wind. Within minutes my fingertips were numb and senseless, I took off the gloves and 10 minutes later they were fine. My only theory is that there must have been something soaked into the old work gloves that was speeding the freezing of my fingers. Anyway, good luck, and _don’t ever do that again!!!_ [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-frostbitten-feet/715061.md?page=2)