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Suggest Treatment For Possible Frostbite On Thigh

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Posted on Fri, 2 Jan 2015
Question: i did the salt and ice challenge and i really regret it. i put about a teaspoon and a half of salt on my thigh and an ice cube on top and kept it on for about 1 min yesterday. today is really red and im wondering when it will go away. it hurts like a burn. any information would be great.
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Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (39 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
can take weeks to months

Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

The mixture of the salt and ice lowers the temperature and can cause a burn that is similar to frostbite.
The cold temperature numbs the area and therefore prevents the person from being fully aware of the damage that is occurring.

It can take weeks ,in some cases up to 6 months for the skin to return completely to normal. In many cases, a small scar would remain.

The indicators of favorable prognosis and early healing are:(1) superficial injury, (2)early sensation to pinprick (able to feel pain in the area),
(3)clear blister rather than blood filled blister,
(4)healthy appearing skin after area rewarmed

Indicators of prolonged healing process and less favorable prognosis are: (1)absence of edema (swelling)
(2)blood filled blisters
(3)persistent mottling,blue tinge or lack of feeling even after rewarming
(4)area appears frozen

Treatment
(1)oral pain killers such as ibuprofen or naproxen- these are anti inflammatory pain killers that may be helpful in reducing your body's inflammatory response to the challenge

(2)aloe vera-this also helps to restrict the body's inflammation and also restricts clotting in the area which can also cause problems
It should be applied every 6 hours

(3)oral antibiotics are sometimes needed to prevent infection

(4)some medical studies have suggested that the use of oral vitamin C after a cold injury may be helpful.
It may be due to its anti oxidant effect

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Michelle Gibson James

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16808 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Possible Frostbite On Thigh

Brief Answer: can take weeks to months Detailed Answer: HI, thanks for using healthcare magic The mixture of the salt and ice lowers the temperature and can cause a burn that is similar to frostbite. The cold temperature numbs the area and therefore prevents the person from being fully aware of the damage that is occurring. It can take weeks ,in some cases up to 6 months for the skin to return completely to normal. In many cases, a small scar would remain. The indicators of favorable prognosis and early healing are:(1) superficial injury, (2)early sensation to pinprick (able to feel pain in the area), (3)clear blister rather than blood filled blister, (4)healthy appearing skin after area rewarmed Indicators of prolonged healing process and less favorable prognosis are: (1)absence of edema (swelling) (2)blood filled blisters (3)persistent mottling,blue tinge or lack of feeling even after rewarming (4)area appears frozen Treatment (1)oral pain killers such as ibuprofen or naproxen- these are anti inflammatory pain killers that may be helpful in reducing your body's inflammatory response to the challenge (2)aloe vera-this also helps to restrict the body's inflammation and also restricts clotting in the area which can also cause problems It should be applied every 6 hours (3)oral antibiotics are sometimes needed to prevent infection (4)some medical studies have suggested that the use of oral vitamin C after a cold injury may be helpful. It may be due to its anti oxidant effect I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions