What are the characteristics of 2nd degree frostbite?

• A. Deep skin freezing
• B. Erythema and edema
• C. Clear bullae
• D. Dry, black eschar

Answer: (A)

Frostbite severity is about how deep the tissue injury goes, and second-degree frostbite means the injury reaches the epidermis and dermis. The defining feature is the formation of clear, fluid-filled blisters (bullae) after thawing, accompanied by edema and surrounding erythema. This blistering shows dermal involvement but not deeper tissue destruction. In contrast, deeper frostbites affect subcutaneous tissues or deeper and produce hemorrhagic blisters or dry, black eschar from necrosis. So the standout characteristic of second-degree frostbite is the presence of clear bullae on thawed skin.