Very common paediatric problem well addressed and lucidly explained by Dr. Nathani. I have a question. Isn’t an ice pack or plain ice wrapped in a cloth applied to the bleeding area more beneficial?
Thank you. Ice packs are primarily recommended to decrease swelling in the traumatized area. They are more useful in bruising, which results in a lot of swelling, which causes pain and discomfort. Icing reduces blood flow to the area and may be recommended for specific injuries in the first 48 hours. Increased blood flow to the area is desirable because it is the body's way of getting rid of dead and dying tissue and helps prevent infection. Ice packs cannot stop bleeding alone; they work only because of direct pressure. If kept too long, they can actually result in thermal injury.
Very common paediatric problem well addressed and lucidly explained by Dr. Nathani. I have a question. Isn’t an ice pack or plain ice wrapped in a cloth applied to the bleeding area more beneficial?
Thank you. Ice packs are primarily recommended to decrease swelling in the traumatized area. They are more useful in bruising, which results in a lot of swelling, which causes pain and discomfort. Icing reduces blood flow to the area and may be recommended for specific injuries in the first 48 hours. Increased blood flow to the area is desirable because it is the body's way of getting rid of dead and dying tissue and helps prevent infection.
Ice packs cannot stop bleeding alone; they work only because of direct pressure. If kept too long, they can actually result in thermal injury.