Notes on ice application

Ice compress can quickly reduce swelling and relieve pain. It usually takes about 10 minutes to apply ice. It mainly consists of wrapping the ice in a towel or gauze, applying it to the swollen area, and wiping it continuously to reduce swelling. Ice compress should be applied about 3 times a day. For severe swelling, the pus in the swollen area still needs to be patted out and ice compress cannot be applied.

1. The time for ice compress is usually controlled within 10-20 minutes each time: When using ice cubes (put in a plastic bag) for ice compress, you need to put a layer of cotton pad around the joints, and the time should not exceed 20 minutes; when using an ice-water mixture, usually mix ice cubes and water in a 1:1 ratio and put them in a plastic bag, and apply the ice compress directly to the skin surface. Since the temperature is stable at 0 degrees Celsius, it will not cause damage to the tissues and can be used with confidence.

2. Ice compresses should usually be applied 2-3 times a day. If the injury is in the early stages and the swelling and pain are severe, ice compresses can be applied every 2 hours.

3. Limitations of ice compress: Ice compress is only a simple treatment for injuries. Targeted diagnosis and treatment should be carried out according to the specific circumstances. Ice compress should never replace specific treatment.

4. We do not recommend ice compresses for injuries that have been sustained for many days or if the swelling is very severe.

5. Wound protection is particularly important for ice compresses around open wounds and postoperative incisions to prevent wound infection. Some people think that ice compress bags are sealed and liquid will not leak out. However, due to the temperature difference outside the ice compress bag, it is easy for moisture in the air to condense. For this type of ice compress, wound protection must be performed.