If you have ever taken ice cubes and put them into a zippered storage bag to use on an injury, you know how uncomfortable this treatment can be. However, gel ice packs are great because they offer flexibility, which makes them much more comfortable.
Make Your Own Gel Ice Pack
Gel ice packs are readily available at local pharmacies. However, you can easily create your own DIY ice gel pack with some alcohol and water.
What you need to create your DIY ice pack:
- A disposable zip-top bag: Choose the bag size according to the area of the body you intend to place it on (e.g., a larger bag for the back).
- Rubbing alcohol.
- Water.
- Dish soap (optional).
- Food coloring (optional).
How to create your DIY cold pack:
- Open the zip-top bag.
- Pour two parts water to one part rubbing alcohol into the bag. If you want a softer pack, you can add more alcohol.
- Squirt in some dish soap. This helps keep the gel from sticking to the inside of the bag.
- Customize your ice gel pack with a bit of food coloring.
- After you have added all the ingredients, carefully remove as much air as possible.
- Seal the bag. Make sure you have completely sealed the bag before placing it in the freezer.
- Lay the bag in the freezer. It will be much easier to use if you lay it flat.
- After a couple of hours, your DIY gel ice pack is ready to use.
How To Use Your DIY Cold Pack
Prevent damage to your skin and underlying tissues by wrapping the ice pack in cloth before placing it on your body.
Apply your ice pack to the affected area for 20 minutes. Leaving it on any longer than that can damage your skin and the underlying tissues.
Remember to return your ice pack to the freezer. You can repeat this treatment every two hours.
Always speak with your physician before starting a new therapy.
Sources:
Dealing with Chronic Pain 