How to cool down with ice

Wrapped in a cloth, and not in direct contact with the skin, to wet the wrists, neck, and forehead. Or, in cubes, during a foot bath.

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ice burns
Ice can be a good idea for cooling down, as long as it doesn't come into direct contact with the skin. In this case, it can cool the skin too quickly and cause a cold injury, similar to a small burn. It can also cause redness, pain, numbness, or paleness, And if left on for a long time, it can damage the surface tissue. The risk increases if your skin is already insensitive or if you're someone who doesn't easily notice the cold.
However, ice works well for cooling if used in these ways:
  • Wrap some cubes in a thin cloth and pass them over the neck, wrists, forehead and inside of the elbows. These areas are relatively rich in superficial blood vessels, so cooling the skin can quickly provide a feeling of relief, And the cloth creates a small barrier that prevents excessive and prolonged contact with the ice. Even better if the ice melts: the cold water further helps transfer heat from the skin, and the ice absorbs thermal energy as it melts.
  •  Put the ice in a thermal bag or cold bottle and place it briefly on the neck or armpits. These are areas with many blood vessels relatively close to the surface, and the blood circulating there, thanks to contact with ice, can cool a little before continuing into the body. This can give a very rapid sensation of freshness and contribute slightly to heat dispersion.
  • Make a foot bath with fresh water and a few ice cubes, avoiding frozen water. It works because the feet give off heat to the cold water, which then carries it away, and the ice keeps the water cold even as it absorbs heat. Additionally, the blood passing through the superficial tissues of the feet is cooled a little and then continues to circulate, and the strong cold stimulus also gives a immediate feeling of relief from the heat.
  • There is another interesting method to consider for cooling down with ice: place a very cold bottle in front of the fan, This allows air to pass over the cold surface of the bottle. The air, in contact with the bottle, releases some of its heat and cools, then pushes it toward you, giving you a pleasant sensation of freshness.

When using ice to cool water and drinks, remember that it is generally safe if it is made with potable water and stored under hygienic conditions.

Pay particular attention to:

  •  Clean hands and containers when handling ice.
  •  Do not use ice that is left over in contact with dirty surfaces or that began to melt and then was refrozen.
  • In the premises, ice should be produced and handled with clean equipment.
  • If you have any doubts about the quality of the water, don't use ice made with that water.
  • There is no particular danger in drinking a very cold drink: the cold can cause sensitive teeth discomfort or, in some people, a feeling of headache (“brain freeze”), but it is not normally dangerous.

And always remember that ice should not be eaten under any circumstances.

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