Which condition is characterized by damage to the skin and tissues due to extreme cold?

Frostbite is a condition that occurs when skin and other tissues freeze due to prolonged exposure to extremely cold temperatures. This damage primarily affects the fingers, toes, ears, and nose, as these areas are typically more susceptible to cold temperatures. When frostbite occurs, ice crystals can form inside the cells, leading to cell damage and potentially resulting in permanent injury if not treated promptly. The affected areas may appear pale or waxy and can become numb, which signifies significant tissue damage.

In contrast, hypothermia results from the body losing heat faster than it can produce it, leading to a dangerous drop in body temperature rather than localized tissue damage. Heat exhaustion and heatstroke are conditions related to excessive heat exposure, not cold, and address different physiological responses and health risks.