Keep reading to learn all about the causes, symptoms, risk factors, and treatment of ice burn. Keep reading! 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. But how can you confirm that you have an ice burn? To figure that out, you need to know the symptoms of ice burns to look out for. Check them out below.

What Are The Symptoms Of An Ice Burn?

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?

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 neuropathy 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?

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): 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, thrombolytic/prostacyclin 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?

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.

Summing It Up

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:

How To Treat And Manage Burn Scars How To Use Aloe Vera To Treat Burns Cyst Vs. Boil: How To Identify, Causes, Symptoms, And Treatment What Causes Chemical Burns And How To Treat Them?