Ischemic necrosis from ice bag “burn”

Abstract

That an ice bag applied continuously may cause local tissue necrosis is not appreciated by physicians. The common use of the ice bag in the treatment of deep seated inflammation of the active type makes the possibility of burn from it of more than academic interest. The way in which local cold causes necrosis is discussed. The proper application of an icebag, to prevent burn, with one or more thicknesses of cloth between it and the skin to keep the skin at all times dry is explained. The necessity for slow warming of tissue after exposure to cold is noted.