Wrap
the bag in a damp towel, and apply it to the painful area.
Use the
ice pack for up to 15 minutes at a time.
You can make cold packs from items found in your freezer, or you can
buy commercial cold packs.
Ice bags or bags of frozen peas are inexpensive,
last 10 to 20 minutes, and mold well to your body.
Cold packs
(vinyl-coated silica gel) are lightweight, mold to your body, and last for 20
to 30 minutes. (If the chemical inside leaks out, you may get a chemical
burn.)
Author
Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Editor
Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor
Tracy Landauer
Primary Medical Reviewer
Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer
Steven K. Patterson, BSc, DDS, MPH - Dentist
Last Updated
September 26, 2008
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
Last Updated:
September 26, 2008
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor.
Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this
information.