1. Poor Blood Circulation
In extreme cold, your blood vessels shrink to preserve heat.
If circulation becomes too low, toes don’t get enough oxygen —
this can cause numbness, tingling, or even black discoloration.
2. Frostbite (Cold Burn)
When the skin is exposed to very low temperatures for long, the tissues start freezing.
Early signs: tingling, redness, numbness
Severe signs: skin turning blue/black
Frostbite is a medical emergency.
3. Raynaud’s Phenomenon
In winter, some people’s blood vessels overreact to cold.
Their toes/fingers turn white → blue → red, along with tingling or pain.
4. Diabetes or Nerve Damage
People with diabetes often have sensitive nerves and poor circulation.
Cold weather worsens it, causing burning, tingling, or dark patches on toes.
5. Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)
Narrow arteries reduce blood flow to the legs and feet.
Symptoms include:
- Tingling
- Numb toes
- Darkened or black skin
PAD needs urgent medical attention.
6. Skin Infection or Tissue Death
If skin tissues stop receiving blood due to cold or an existing disease, they can start dying —
leading to black patches. This is serious and needs treatment quickly.
When to Seek Medical Help?
✔ Toes turning black
✔ Tingling that doesn’t go away
✔ Pain while walking
✔ Skin turning blue or purple
✔ Toes feeling numb all the time
These signs mean the blood flow is blocked or tissues are getting damaged.
