Which condition is identified by superficial freezing of the outer layer of the skin?

The condition characterized by superficial freezing of the outer layer of the skin is frostnip. This condition usually affects areas of the skin that are exposed to cold temperatures, typically the face, ears, fingers, and toes. During frostnip, the skin itself becomes pale and slightly numb, but the underlying tissues remain unaffected. This is a mild form of cold injury that often resolves with rewarming of the affected areas without causing permanent damage.

In contrast, frostbite involves deeper freezing and damage to the skin and underlying tissues, which can lead to serious complications if not treated promptly. Chilblains are related to skin inflammation due to repeated exposure to cold but are not classified as freezing injuries. Hypothermia, on the other hand, is a systemic condition that occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it, affecting the entire body rather than just the skin.