The amount of skin exposure time required to cause frostbite varies from person to person and also depends on the actual temperature, presence of wind or wind chill, amount of clothing worn, dampness of the clothing, alcohol consumption, previous incidences of frostbite, and other factors.

Areas of the body that normally are affected most often by frostbite include the face (nose, cheeks, forehead, and ears), hands (especially fingers), and feet (usually the toes).

Frostbite causes can be linked to pre-existing health conditions which can make individuals more susceptible to frostbite. Peripheral neuropathy and diabetes are two such conditions. Poor circulation is another. However, poor circulation is not necessarily only because of an existing medical condition. Clothing or boots that are too tight can restrict blood circulation and make skin tissue more susceptible to frostbite. The use of certain medications such as beta blockers will also make individuals more vulnerable to frost bite. People that fall into these categories should take extra precautions when exposing their skin to freezing cold temperatures.

Within the body, what causes frostbite to occur? When the body is exposed to cold temperatures the blood vessels on the extremities naturally constrict in order to preserve body temperature. Less blood flow to the extremities means less blood cooling and more heat retained in the body. This is a common body defense system when the body temperature is getting too low. Unfortunately, the reduced blood flow is one of the frostbite causes because it leads to poor warming of skin tissue and therefore, a risk of skin freezing. This is one reason why frostbite has a greater likelihood of affecting skin further away from the heart. Also, areas further away from the heart are more likely to be less well protected from the cold.

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