Ice Burn - Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

What Is Ice Burn?

Skin is an extremely sensitive part of the body. The skin's tolerance to external factors, such as weather, differs from person to person. When the skin comes in contact with this extreme weather change, such as winter or ice-cold weather, it can cause damage. Water molecules in the skin cells freeze during this contact with cold objects or weather, which further causes damage to the structure of the skin cells.

Moreover, the blood cells are also affected by getting constricted. This further affects the blood flow in the body, which affects oxygen flow. In other words, an extremely cold temperature can create a blood clot which further hampers the oxygen flow in the body. In extreme scenarios, if the blood-clotting proteins are affected, it can further cause bleeding.

What Are the Risk Factors Associated With Ice Burn?

These are the following risk factors associated which increase the chances of getting ice burns:

• If a person is a smoker.

• If a person is on a blood thinner such as a beta-blocker.

• If a person has diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, or a condition related to the circulating system of the body.

• In a condition such as peripheral neuropathy, where it is difficult to know if a person has an injury or not.

• Age, where the skin becomes very sensitive to the external environment. It is more prominent in children or aged people.

What Are the Causes of Ice Burn?

Ice burn can be caused by a number of factors, including:

1. Exposure to Cold Weather: Prolonged exposure to cold temperatures can cause ice burn, particularly in areas of the body that are not well-insulated, such as the fingers, toes, nose, and ears.

2. Immersion in Cold Water: Exposure to cold water, particularly if it is below freezing, can cause an ice burn. This is particularly common in swimmers or divers who are not properly insulated.

3. Contact With Cold Objects: Contact with cold objects, such as metal or frozen foods, can cause ice burn if the skin is exposed for a prolonged period.

4. Poor Circulation: Individuals with poor circulation, such as those with peripheral artery disease, are more susceptible to ice burn due to reduced blood flow to the extremities.

5. Alcohol or Drug Use: Alcohol and drug use can impair judgment and reduce the body's ability to sense cold, making individuals more susceptible to ice burn.

In addition to these causes, certain medical conditions, such as diabetes and Raynaud's disease, can increase the risk of ice burn. It is important to take precautions to prevent ice burn, particularly in cold weather or when engaging in activities that expose the skin to freezing temperatures.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Ice Burn?

The followings are the signs and symptoms associated with ice burn:

• Numbness.

• Itchiness.

• Tingling sensation.

• Pain.

• Blisters.

• Unusually firm or waxy skin.

• Red, dark, white, or gray patches.

How to Diagnose Ice Burn?

If a person is feeling any of the symptoms described above after prolonged contact with extreme cold, the person should get rid of the source of the cold as soon as possible. The next step is to warm up the skin. The following diagnostic methods are available to diagnose:

• The skin color changes to pale or white in appearance.

• The skin is extremely cold.

• The skin is rock hard.

• Even after warming up, the skin still feels numb.

• The skin does not return to its normal skin color.

• There are blood-filled blisters at the site of the burn.

• Loss of function in the affected part of the skin.

What Is the Outlook for the Ice Burns on the Skin?

The condition might be mild to severe, and the burns take days to weeks to heal. Also, there might be chances of getting scars after the burns. Moreover, in some severe cases, the doctors might recommend amputating the damaged tissue from the body.

What Are the Complications Associated With Ice Burn?

The following are the complications associated with ice burn:

• Fever.

• Increased pain.

• Pus or green discharge from the site of the burn.

• Loss of function.

• Change of skin color.

How to Treat Ice Burns?

The ice burn, in most cases, can be treated at home. However, the following management steps can be taken to avoid the damage caused by it.

• Remove the source of injury immediately.

• If a person's clothes are wet, change them.

• Try not to touch the affected area of injury to avoid further damage to the skin.

• Ask for over-the-counter medications to relieve pain caused by the injury.

• Use a warm compress or warm blankets to provide relaxation. However, the area of injury should be carefully checked, and avoid rubbing or direct heat. Due to numbness, a person may not feel anything immediately.

• As per the doctor's recommendation, or if the injury is not severe, place the affected area in lukewarm water for about 30 minutes to 1 hour. Continue this if the area of injury still has not got the normal temperature back.

• If an area of injury has debris stuck, clean it with warm water. Pat dry the area after cleaning it. Apply soothing ointments such as aloe vera gel to the area of injury.

• Use a bandage to cover and protect the area of injury.

• There is a possibility of dehydration in some people. Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration and other complications related to it.

• If the injury is severe, seek medical attention immediately.

• Doctors might prescribe pain relievers, antibiotics, or bandage dressing with regular follow-ups.

What Are the Ways to Prevent the Ice Burns?

The following are different ways to prevent ice burn:

• If a person lives in an extremely cold environment with a negative temperature, they should avoid immediate weather changes to the skin. They can wear thermal clothes or multiple layers while going out. Especially while skiing, climbing, or other outdoor activities, they should wear special clothes made for low temperatures. Moreover, in the case of emergency climate change or during high-velocity winds, seek shelter immediately.

• If a person is dealing with injury and the doctor has recommended the cold pack, they should not directly apply it on the skin. Instead, use a cloth or towel between the skin and the cold pack to avoid injury.

Conclusion:

Ice burns are caused by extreme temperature changes and their contact with the skin; the longer the exposure to the low temperature, the more the risk is. In the case of ice burns, a person should immediately seek medical attention. After the treatment and the management of the injury site, it is wise to go for a regular follow-up.