COLD PACKS

COLD PACKS

Overview and Facts

To relieve pain, swelling, and inflammation from injuries and other conditions like arthritis, ice and cold packs are great first aid treatments. For home treatment, apply an ice pack wrapped in a towel or ice bath to the affected area. You should never apply a frozen item directly to the skin, as it can cause damage to the skin and tissues. After an injury, apply cold treatment as soon as possible to reduce inflammation and swelling.

Using cold therapy for short periods for several times a day. Ten to fifteen minutes is okay, while more than 20 minutes of cold treatment is not advisable as it might cause nerve, tissue, and skin damage. For best results, you can elevate the affected area.

Types and Symptoms

TYPES

Types of ice and cold packs

  • Ice towel– a lightweight sport towel which keeps you cool for a period. Simply soak it in water, wring out and shake to activate an amazing cooling effect.
  • Ice packor gel pack- is a portable plastic bag filled with water, refrigerated gel, or liquid used as temporary relief for those individuals suffering from injuries
  • Cold packs– used to wrap around an injured area, like an arm or knee

Diagnosis & Medications

TREATMENT

Apply an ice or cold pack to the injured part or sore area for at least 3 times a day for as long as you have pain, swelling, and inflammation. Put an ice pack for every 10 minutes, once an hour, for the first 72 hours. In the morning, in the late afternoon after work or school, and about one-half hour before sleeping, use an ice pack again for about 15 to 20 minutes, three times a day. You can also apply cold pack after any prolonged activity or strenuous exercise.

Using a piece of cloth to wrap around your ice pack, press it firmly onto the affected area and make sure to cover all the affected areas of your injury. Never fall asleep with an ice pack placed on your skin as this can cause an adverse reaction.

When using an cold pack in the eye, it not advisable to use commercial cold packs, as it can be too bulky. Furthermore, it is made of chemicals which may be harmful to the eye, thus, extra caution is advised.

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