Treatment for ice burns
To treat an ice burn, firstly you need to remove the source of the cold, then slowly warm your skin to bring it back to its normal temperature. Follow these steps to warm your skin:
- Soak the affected area in warm water for about 20 minutes. The water should be around 104°F (40°C) and not above 108°F (42.2°C).
- If necessary, you can repeat the soaking process, taking 20-minutes breaks between each soak.
- Apply warm compress or blankets, in addition to warm-water treatments.
- Ensure you do not use too much heat, as it could worsen your burn.
If you develop blisters or an open wound, apply first aid. Clean the area and bandage it to help keep it free from dirt or germs and avoid infection. Use gauze that won’t stick to your skin. It may also help to apply an Over-the-counter soothing ointment to the affected area.
To relieve pain, consider taking an over-the-counter pain reliever. Once you notice an improvement in the affected area, you may apply aloe vera [5] or other topical gels to help ease discomfort.
Ice burn can lead to complications like severe tissue damage. Seek medical attention if you notice serious signs such as your skin remaining cold or hard after you try to gently warm it. Your doctor might prescribe medications, remove damaged tissue, or recommend other treatment options.
You should also contact your doctor if you develop symptoms of an infection, like a change in the color of your burn, pus, or greenish discharge, or fever. Your doctor might recommend antibiotics or other treatments.