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Suggest Treatment For Skin Discoloration Due To Prolonged Ice Pack Usage

Posted on Thu, 25 Sep 2014

Question: Hello. I left ice packs on my legs 10 minutes longer than I should have last Saturday 10 days ago and still have skin discoloration. I did not have any blistering. Will these heal without scarring? How long if so to heal? I have been putting antibiotic ointment on them it says it is for burns. Should I be using something else?
Thanks!

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rahul Kumar (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Mild necrosis

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for the query and I have seen your images.
You have developed mild necrosis due to cold injury.
It's good that there was no blistering. Don't worry it will heal completely but may take up to three weeks. Keep applying antibacterial cream. Don't try to scratch the area.
Let me know if you have any other doubts.
Thank you

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Rahul Kumar (13 hours later)

So it will not scar? How did it develop to that? Is there something better to use than antibiotoc cream?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rahul Kumar (9 hours later)

Brief Answer:
it won't scar

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for the follow up.
It happens due to coagulation of proteins in the cells leading to cell death and hence necrosis.
Don't worry about scarring.
The lesion is superficial hence will not scar
You can use any antibacterial cream as the only purpose is to prevent bacterial infection.
Let me know if you have any other doubts.
Thank you

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