Ice burns: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment and Prevention

Many of us are aware that heat can burn our skin, but we can also suffer burns from ice or cold objects. Skin tissue can be damaged after coming into contact with anything that's extremely cold, like an ice pack, or if we spend too long in freezing temperatures.

In this article, learn what an ice burn is, what the symptoms and causes are, and how to treat ice burns on the skin.

An ice burn on skin occurs when ice, snow, or other extremely cold objects like metal, come into contact with the skin and damage the skin tissue. The water in the skin cells freezes, forming sharp ice crystals that can damage the skin cell structure.

The cold causes blood vessels to constrict, reducing blood flow and the amount of oxygen delivered to the affected area. This can lead to blood clots, further limiting oxygen flow. In severe cases, bleeding may occur if the cold disrupts blood-clotting proteins.

Frostbite from an ice pack can occur if you place the ice pack directly on your skin and leave it for too long. While ice packs are helpful and recommended for soothing pain, inflammation, and swelling, it’s important to avoid ice burns. There is a slight difference between an ice or snow burn and frostbite. Frostbite happens when the skin and underlying tissues freeze due to exposure to freezing temperatures. If frostbite affects deeper skin layers, impacting tissue and bone, it can cause permanent damage.

Ice burns on skin usually look like other types of burn, such as sunburn. The symptoms of ice burn vary depending on the severity of condition. They can cause symptoms such as:

• Redness or paleness
• Numbness or tingling
• Pain and discomfort
• Blisters
• Hard or waxy skin
• Changes in skin colours (red, dark, white or grey skin)
• Loss of sensation

If you notice any of these symptoms, is important to get immediate ice burn treatment to prevent further damage.

Freezing temperatures or direct contact with a cold object can cause an ice burn on the skin. This happens when ice, snow, or any extremely cold substance touches your skin for a long time. Prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures, snow, or strong winds can increase the risk of developing an ice burn.

Ice burns often occur when ice or cold packs are applied directly to the skin while treating an injury or sore muscles. Learn more about hot and cold therapy for injuries.

Treating an ice or snow burn involves slowly warming the skin to bring it back to its previous temperature. Follow these actions to treat a burn from ice immediately after the injury:

1. Remove the item causing the injury or move your skin away from the cold source.
2. Remove any wet clothing and debris from any injured skin.
3. Do not touch or rub the area, as this can cause further damage.
4. Soak the affected area in warm, not hot, water for 20 minutes. Repeat this process if needed, with a 20-minute break between each soak.
5. Apply a blanket or warm compress, as well as the warm-water soaks.
6. Gently clean the burn with Elastoplast Wound Spray. Elastoplast Wound Spray is designed for effective wound care. It offers a convenient, no-touch application that helps cleanse and disinfect wounds while promoting faster healing. Simply spray the product directly onto the wound from a distance of about 10 – 15 cm. Allow it to dry before applying any additional dressings or ointments. This spray helps prevent infection and supports the natural healing process, making it a practical choice for first aid kits.
7. Once the ice burn is cleaned, apply Elastoplast Wound Healing Ointment. This aids the healing of minor wounds and cuts. Its formulation supports the skin’s natural repair process while providing a protective barrier against infection. To use, apply a thin layer of the ointment directly to the clean, dry wound. Cover with a suitable dressing if needed. This ointment helps soothe discomfort and promotes faster healing.
8. Protect your ice burn wound with an Elastoplast Waterproof Wound Dressing XXL. The Elastoplast Waterproof Wound Dressing XXL provides extensive protection and comfort for larger wounds or burns. It features a waterproof barrier that guards against water, dirt, and bacteria, so you can continue your daily activities without concern. These dressings are particularly suited for larger areas frequently exposed to moisture, helping to promote effective healing while keeping the wound clean and shielded.

Most superficial snow and ice burns can be treated at home using the steps above, and often heal without the need for medical attention. However, contact your doctor if you notice any symptoms of a severe burn from ice:

• skin turning and remaining dark, pale white, or grey, instead of regaining its normal complexion
• skin feeling numb and not tingling during warm-water treatments
• the affected body part doesn't function as normal
• blood-filled blisters

These can be symptoms of severe tissue damage that require treatment.

When using an ice pack on your skin, pay close attention to how it feels. Applying an ice pack directly to the skin can cause a burn or frostbite within minutes. If you begin to feel frostnip—the early stage of an ice burn, where your skin may turn red or pale and develop a tingling or prickling feeling—remove the ice pack right away and warm the area to avoid skin damage.

Use these guidelines to prevent ice pack burns.

• Use a tea towel or layer of clothing between your skin and the cold source. Using a bag of frozen vegetables is another option and can reduce the risk of burns on our skin. 
• Do not leave the ice pack against your skin longer than 20 minutes. A good method is 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off. Learn more about cold therapy for pain.
• Never fall asleep with an ice pack on your skin.
• Keep an eye out for any initial symptoms of ice burn, including redness or paleness alongside a tingling or even a numb feeling. If you do notice this, remove the ice pack immediately. It’s also possible to sustain ice burns from exposure to very cold weather. To prevent this from happening, make sure you’re appropriately dressed for any time spent outside in freezing conditions.

It’s also possible to sustain ice burns from exposure to very cold weather. To prevent this from happening, make sure you’re appropriately dressed for any time spent outside in freezing conditions.

The following factors may make someone more likely to suffer ice burns on the skin:

• Environmental factors such as homelessness or participating in winter sports
• Conditions or habits which worsen your circulation such as diabetes or smoking
• Taking medication like beta blockers which slow down the heart and therefore affect blood flow
• Conditions impacting your capacity to detect injuries, such as peripheral neuropathy
• Age: children and seniors are more likely to sustain ice burns as they have more delicate skin

Always see a doctor if the wound is deep, bleeds heavily or shows signs of infection like reddening, swelling or warmth.

Please note that, although these were compiled with great care, the tips and advice given on this website by no means substitute medical advice and treatment. If you have or suspect a health problem, consult a doctor and follow medical advice regardless of what you have learned on this website.

Always read carefully and follow the instructions for use or the product leaflets. For further information about our products, please contact us via email at ConsumerRelationsUK@Beiersdorf.com.