A daughter's attempt to help her feverish father caused unintended harm, according to a case reported in China. The daughter placed dry ice on her father in his 60s' forehead and armpits to lower his body temperature, causing the affected areas to become red, swollen and blistered, requiring hospital treatment.
According to Chinese media outlet Hangzhou Wang and others on the 24th of last month, a man in his 60s, identified as A, who lives in China's Zhejiang province, recently developed diarrhea and a fever after a meal. His daughter, who saw this, was looking for a way to lower her father's fever when she remembered the dry ice left at home. She thought that because it was much colder than ordinary ice, it would be more effective at reducing his fever. The daughter placed a large bag containing dry ice directly on A's forehead and armpits.
Several hours later, the skin on A's forehead and armpits began turning red, swelling and developing blisters. He was also in severe pain. A then visited Zhejiang People's Hospital, where he had to receive treatment for skin damage caused by the dry ice. The affected areas later developed scabs and healed, and he was discharged after four days of hospitalization without a secondary bacterial infection.
◇Although it looks like ice, dry ice has a temperature of minus 78.5 degrees Celsius
Unlike ordinary ice made by freezing water, dry ice is carbon dioxide in a solid state and has a temperature of approximately minus 78.5 degrees Celsius. When it comes into direct contact with the skin, blood vessels can constrict rapidly, while water inside and outside cells can freeze, potentially damaging tissue. The medical staff who treated A explained that this was what is known as a cold burn, or frostbite-like skin damage caused by exposure to extremely low temperatures. Direct contact between dry ice and the skin can cause damage even within a short time and, in severe cases, can lead to tissue necrosis. When frostbite-like damage occurs, the skin may initially become red or pale and may tingle or feel hot. As it worsens, swelling and blisters may develop, and sensation may become dull.
◇If contact has already occurred, warm the area slowly
Thick gloves or tongs should be used when handling dry ice. It should not be placed directly on the skin in an attempt to quickly reduce a sick person's fever. This is because dry ice is not a substance intended for reducing fever. If the skin is damaged after accidental contact with dry ice, it should first be removed from the skin immediately. The International Society for Mountain Medicine recommends immersing the frostbitten area in water at 37 to 39 degrees Celsius for about 30 minutes, or until the skin becomes soft. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC, also advises warming the affected area with warm water that is not hot and warns against rubbing or massaging the skin. Directly exposing the area to a heating device or stove should also be avoided, as it can cause additional burns to skin with reduced sensation. It is also best to seek medical attention without intentionally popping the blisters.
According to Chinese media outlet Hangzhou Wang and others on the 24th of last month, a man in his 60s, identified as A, who lives in China's Zhejiang province, recently developed diarrhea and a fever after a meal. His daughter, who saw this, was looking for a way to lower her father's fever when she remembered the dry ice left at home. She thought that because it was much colder than ordinary ice, it would be more effective at reducing his fever. The daughter placed a large bag containing dry ice directly on A's forehead and armpits.
Several hours later, the skin on A's forehead and armpits began turning red, swelling and developing blisters. He was also in severe pain. A then visited Zhejiang People's Hospital, where he had to receive treatment for skin damage caused by the dry ice. The affected areas later developed scabs and healed, and he was discharged after four days of hospitalization without a secondary bacterial infection.
◇Although it looks like ice, dry ice has a temperature of minus 78.5 degrees Celsius
Unlike ordinary ice made by freezing water, dry ice is carbon dioxide in a solid state and has a temperature of approximately minus 78.5 degrees Celsius. When it comes into direct contact with the skin, blood vessels can constrict rapidly, while water inside and outside cells can freeze, potentially damaging tissue. The medical staff who treated A explained that this was what is known as a cold burn, or frostbite-like skin damage caused by exposure to extremely low temperatures. Direct contact between dry ice and the skin can cause damage even within a short time and, in severe cases, can lead to tissue necrosis. When frostbite-like damage occurs, the skin may initially become red or pale and may tingle or feel hot. As it worsens, swelling and blisters may develop, and sensation may become dull.
◇If contact has already occurred, warm the area slowly
Thick gloves or tongs should be used when handling dry ice. It should not be placed directly on the skin in an attempt to quickly reduce a sick person's fever. This is because dry ice is not a substance intended for reducing fever. If the skin is damaged after accidental contact with dry ice, it should first be removed from the skin immediately. The International Society for Mountain Medicine recommends immersing the frostbitten area in water at 37 to 39 degrees Celsius for about 30 minutes, or until the skin becomes soft. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC, also advises warming the affected area with warm water that is not hot and warns against rubbing or massaging the skin. Directly exposing the area to a heating device or stove should also be avoided, as it can cause additional burns to skin with reduced sensation. It is also best to seek medical attention without intentionally popping the blisters.