How do we not get frostbite from putting ice packs on ourselves for extended periods of time?
In: Biology
Frostbite is a very real possibility. Most doctors would recommend only applying an ice pack for a maximum of 20 minutes at a time within a 2 hour period. Additionally, placing a thin barrier like a towel between the ice pack and the skin is advisable as this causes the heat loss to be spread over a larger area preventing a rapid drop in temperature in a small area which would lead to ice burn.
Typically, frostbite resulting from ice packs is very minor and can be resolved by soaking the effected area in warm, but not hot water (~105 degrees Fahrenheit).
Its very possible that you **do** get frostbite. An ice pack should be wrapped in a towel or sheet of paper towel when used. Otherwise you risk your skin freezing to the pack, causing frostbite.
Thermal mass or heat capacity of your body is much greater than the ice pack. You are big, ice pack is small. It is not able to lower the temperature enough to give you frostbite. If it is your icepack is to big for the extremity you are using it on.
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