awildman wrote:
I did not know prior to yesterday that ice packs could literally burn one's skin. I now have a palm-sized burn that closely resembles a severe sunburn. Blisters, redness, pain, etc. I always thought that having a layer of protection between skin and cold pack was for the comfort of weak people. Now I know better.
Frostbite. Having layer(s) between you and the cold can make the sensation of the cold less uncomfortable, but cold enough temps, applied long enough, will cause frostbite.
Previous tolerance to cold does not predict future tolerance. As we age our circulatory efficiency tends to decrease, making us more susceptible to cold injury. Likewise, things like alcohol, tobacco and certain drugs reduce circulation through vasoconstriction, thus negatively impacting circulation. And, of course, diseases like diabetes put one at higher risk as well.
I can’t give specific treatment or prevention advice, per the forum rules, so be safe with the ice packs and don’t go licking any frozen sign posts
Feel better soon.
Loren
(Wilderness EMT)