How To Get Rid Of Ice Burns

Fun Fact

Researchers found frostbite or ice burn evidence in an Andean mummy that was nearly 5,000 years old.

What Causes Ice Burns?

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Putting ice or anything frozen on your skin for an extended period (several minutes) causes frostbite. Ice crystals grow in your skin cells as the cold temperature restricts blood flow in the affected area. This depletes the oxygen supply in the surrounding tissues and results in severe damage to the skin and underlying tissues, thus causing an ice burn. In that case, the only solution is to visit a doctor immediately.

Some of the factors that lead to ice burns are:

• Long-term exposure to freezing temperatures.
• Exposure to cold winds and high altitudes.
• Taking part in winter activities.

Homeless people living in very cold areas are particularly prone to ice burns.

Trivia

The First and Second World Wars and the Korean War witnessed about 1 million combatants fall victim to frostbite.

What Are The Symptoms Of An Ice Burn?

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The symptoms of an ice burn include:

• Numbness
• Tingling
• Itchiness
• Pain
• Skin discoloration
• Blisters
• Hard or waxy skin

Wondering how a doctor diagnoses ice burns? Find out below.

How Are Ice Burns Diagnosed?

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If your skin remains pale/white, cold, and firm even after removing the cold object, or if it is numb and does not regain its color even after warming up – it could be an ice burn. Consult a doctor, who will determine the severity of the burn and prescribe the appropriate treatment.

Learn who is at risk of getting ice burns in the following section.

Who Is At Risk Of Getting An Ice Burn?

Anyone can get an ice burn, but some people are at greater risk. For instance:

• People with medical conditions like diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, and peripheral neuropathyⁱ  XA condition characterized by weakness and pain due to nerve damage in hands or feet due to diabetes, injuries, or any infection. are said to be at greater risk of frostbite and ice burns (1), (2).
• Young children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable to ice burns due to their thin and fragile skin.
• People who have a habit of smoking are vulnerable to frostbite and ice burns (2), (3).

Conducting some first-aid immediately after getting an ice burn can help your injury to heal well. Learn more in the next section.

How Are Ice Burns Treated?

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Most ice burns can be treated at home. However, you must take a few steps to avoid greater damage from ice burns. Here is what you can do (4):

1. Remove the injury-causing item.
2. Remove wet clothes.
3. Avoid touching the affected area to prevent further harm.
4. Take an over-the-counter pain reliever.
5. Warm compresses or blankets can be used to help you relax. Avoid rubbing the wounded area or applying direct heat as the area will be numb and may burn quickly.
6. Place the affected area in a bath of warm water (37–39°C) for 30 min to 1 hour.
7. If the skin is still cold, continue the warm water soak.
8. Remove unwanted debris from the affected skin.
9. Apply a soothing ointment, such as aloe vera.
10. Protect the burned skin area with a bandage.
11. Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.

Depending on the condition of the wound, you may need to use pain relievers, antibiotic ointments, and bandage dressing.

If the ice burn does not heal after at-home treatment, seek medical help for further diagnosis and treatment.

Also, seek medical attention if the ice burn starts looking infected. The doctor may prescribe antibiotics to treat it (4).

For severe frostbite wounds, thrombolyticⁱ  XA therapy that dissolves highly risky blood clots and improves blood flow to prevent heart attack and stroke. /prostacyclinⁱ  XA circulating hormone released by the lungs into the arterial circulation (blood flow to the heart) to maintain normal blood pressure. therapy may be considered (4).

Now, let’s talk about how long it takes for an ice burn to heal.

How Long Do Ice Burns Take To Heal?

It depends on the severity of the injury. For example, normal ice burns can heal in a matter of days, but severe burns can take months to heal completely and may require surgery to remove dead skin and tissue.

That is why it is better to prevent ice burns in the first place. Learn how to do so in the next section.

How Do You Prevent Ice Burns?

• The best way to prevent ice burns is to always wear multiple layers of thermals and warm clothes. This is especially important if you are going ice climbing, skiing, or other such activities in cold places.
• Do not apply a cold pack directly to the skin. Place a thick cloth or a towel between your skin and the ice pack.

Find out when you should seek medical attention in the next section.

When Should You See A Doctor?

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Consult a doctor if you have any of the following symptoms:

• Your skin is pale white, cold, and hard.
• Even after being warmed, the skin does not regain its original appearance.
• As your skin warms up, it remains numb and does not burn or tingle.

Infographic: Everything To Know About Ice Burns

Long-term exposure to ice and chilly winds can result in burns, blisters, and even numbness throughout your body. Typically it doesn’t go away after using a warm cloth or taking a shower. For treatment, you would need to see a doctor. Don’t be intimidated, despite how overwhelming it may seem. If you get hurt, we’ll explain how to treat it and what to avoid doing to prevent it.
Read the infographics below to discover more about ice burns and how to avoid and treat them.

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Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

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Summing It Up

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I pop an ice burn blister?

No, you should not pop an ice burn blister as it can get infected and slow down the healing process.

Why does frostbite turn black?

Frostbite turns the skin black due to tissue death in the affected area.

How long does frostbite last?

Frostbite usually heals within a few weeks unless there are complications. The skin recovers completely within 6 months.

References:

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Dr. Somodyuti ChandraMBBS, MD DVL & DNB

 

Dr. Somodyuti is a board-certified dermatologist with 9 years of experience, who specializes in skin, hair, and nail problems, laser surgery, and esthetic procedures. After completing her MBBS and MD DVL and DNB, she went on to do DNB Dermatology from the National Board (New Delhi) and MRCP - SCE Dermatology, from the Royal College of Physicians, UK. She has...more

Monomita ChakrabortyBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

 

Monomita has a graduate degree in mass communication and video production from St. Anthony's College, Shillong, and a master’s degree in journalism and mass communication from the Royal Global University, Guwahati. She is also a certified skincare coach. Her passion for and understanding of all things related to skin, hair, and beauty propelled her to pursue a career in writing....more