Ice can help reduce swelling and pain.You can use rubbing alcohol or dish soap to make an ice pack.You should keep a bag in the freezer.As needed, you can use the ice pack.Talk to your doctor if your swelling doesn't go away on its own.
Step 1: Rub alcohol on the water.
Water and alcohol can be used to make an ice pack.The alcohol will keep the water from freezing.In a mixing bowl, mix your water and alcohol.For every two units of water, there should be one unit of alcohol.If you have two cups of water, use one cup of alcohol.If you don't have rubbing alcohol, you can buy it at a drug store.It's important to keep the rubbing alcohol mixture away from infants and small children.Rubbing alcohol can be dangerous and can cause irritation to the eyes.
Step 2: Put the mixture in a bag.
Pick a bag that's the right size for the ice pack.The water and alcohol mixture should be put in the bag.To avoid spilling the mixture, go slowly.You might want to put a towel down below where you're adding the water and alcohol mixture to catch any drips.It's a good idea to double bag.The ice pack will not be affected by this.Children should not be allowed to use plastic bags as part of an ice pack.Children are at risk of being smothered by plastic bags.
Step 3: Excess air should be removed.
Before you freeze it, you want to make sure there is no air in the bag.Press out any excess air before the bag closes.You can use this to remove excess air from the bag.
Step 4: The bag should be refrigerated for at least an hour.
Put the bag in the fridge.The bag will be cold enough to use after an hour.You can place the ice pack where you're sore.
Step 5: You can get a colorful dish soap.
Colorful soap is less likely to freeze.It is more difficult to mistake colorful dish soap for food in the freezer.If you want your gel pack to look like a traditional pack, you may want to use blue dish soap.
Step 6: The bag should be filled with dish soap.
The bag can be filled with dish soap.There isn't a set amount.Simply fill the bag until you have the ice pack you want.More dish soap can cause a bag to take longer to freeze.If you need ice pack soon, use less soap.
Step 7: The bag should be frozen overnight.
Put your bag in the fridge.It should be allowed to freeze overnight.The gel pack should be semi-frozen when you take it out of the fridge.
Step 8: An ice pack should be wrapped in a cloth.
You shouldn't put an ice pack on your skin.The extreme cold can cause skin irritation.Wrap your ice pack in a cloth or paper towel before applying it to your skin.
Step 9: You can ice your injury.
How long did you apply the ice pack?You shouldn't leave an ice pack on for long periods of time.For about 20 to 30 minutes, the ice pack should stay on.An ice pack should be applied up to four times a day.
Step 10: You can see a doctor under certain circumstances.
Ice and over-the-counter painkillers can be used to treat minor injuries.Under certain conditions, you should see a healthcare provider.If you notice any of the following, you should see a doctor.Icing your skin can cause burning or numbness.