Cold Packs

Cold packs have been used for millennium to treat the effects of swelling in sprained joints. Cold packs, whether the simple kind filled with ice or a one-time use chemical cold pack are effective in reducing pain due to headaches, heatstroke, fevers and toothaches. The most common chemical used in a disposable cold pack is ammonium nitrate. When the separator in the pack is broken, water from the other chamber floods the ammonium nitrate and dissolves it. This chemical reaction creates a swift drop in temperature and can reach the freezing point very quickly. It is advised to use caution ith these types of cold packs so that freeze damage will not occur to the skin.

There are some hot and cold packs which are basically a bagged sleeve which can be filled with crushed ice for cold or warm water to make it a hot pack. These are usually designed for use on the arm or leg and are flexible enough to wrap around the limb. There are more complex cold packs that can be attached to a water faucet and can thus keep the temperature down by circulating water through the pack. The Baxter Kwik-Kold (TM) chemical cold pack can be reused for up to eight years so long as the package is not punctured. While they used to offer multiple colors for the benefit of customizing team colors, they have recently discontinued that service and now offer only simple clear packaging for their cold packs.

The hot and cold packs are very handy to keep in any first aid kit as the quick application of cold to a twisted ankle or wrist will prevent major swelling that may further damage the tendons of the joint by pushing them further out of line. For sports injuries especially you need a superior orthopedic cold pack. many of these are constructed with a gel filled interior which can hold the cold in for up to eight hours after being removed from its cold storage container. These cold packs are usually constructed to be form fitting for the various body parts that are most prone to injury. There are also gel filled cold packs that are made like wrap-around bandages so you can use them in multiple locations on the body. Cervical cold packs are constructed to fit snuggly around the neck without having to completely immobilize the head.

Cold packs can be used in cosmetic applications. These types of cold packs are usually of the gel filled variety and are made like eye masks as the cold will help tone the flesh around the eyes and reduce the swelling that creates the "bagging" look.

You can construct your own homemade cold pack by mixing 3 cups of water and 1 cup of isopropyl alcohol in a plastic lock top bag. You then close the bag and put it into a second bag, then place them in your freezer. If done correctly the contents should become rather "slushy". If it freezes too solid you need to add more alcohol. Conversely, if the mixture remains liquid you will have to add more water. Remember to always place a cloth between the cold pack and the skin and never leave it on for more than ten to twenty minutes to avoid tissue damage to the skin.