Dry ice is a dense, frozen form of carbon dioxide gas. It bypasses the liquid phase entirely, sublimating directly into a gas at normal atmospheric pressure. This solid carbon dioxide maintains a surface temperature of approximately -109.3°F (-78.5°C). Direct contact with this substance poses a severe risk to human tissue due to its extreme cold. This cold can inflict an injury known as a cryogenic burn, which requires immediate attention to minimize damage to the skin.
What Happens When Skin Contacts Dry Ice
A cryogenic burn results from the rapid freezing of skin tissue, which is essentially a form of severe frostbite. The extreme cold causes water inside skin cells to crystallize, forming sharp ice structures that damage and rupture cell membranes.
The body responds by constricting blood vessels in the affected area, significantly reducing blood flow. This restriction limits warmth and oxygen, leading to a condition called ischemia and exacerbating the damage.
Symptoms begin with intense cold, progressing quickly to numbness as nerve endings freeze. Visible signs range from redness and pain to a waxy, white, or grayish-yellow appearance.
With deeper or prolonged contact, the skin may become firm or hard. Blisters may also develop as the tissue thaws, indicating damage to deeper layers.
Step-by-Step Emergency Care
Immediate action is necessary to halt the cryogenic damage and begin the rewarming process. First, quickly remove the dry ice source and any constricting clothing or jewelry to allow for better blood flow and tissue recovery.
The injured area should then be soaked in lukewarm water, ideally between 104°F and 108°F (40°C to 42°C). This controlled rewarming restores blood flow and minimizes tissue loss. Maintain the water bath until the skin color returns to a natural, pink tone and sensation begins to return.
Avoid using hot water, as this causes further thermal damage to the compromised tissue. Never attempt to rewarm the area with dry heat sources like a radiator or heating pad, which can intensify the injury. Do not rub or massage the frozen skin, as friction causes further cellular destruction.
After rewarming, dry the area gently and cover it with a clean, sterile, non-adherent bandage. This protects the damaged skin from infection until professional medical attention is sought. Over-the-counter pain relievers may manage pain, but blisters should be left intact as a natural protective barrier.
When to Seek Professional Medical Attention
The severity of a dry ice burn dictates the need for professional medical evaluation. Seek medical attention immediately if the skin remains white, hard, or waxy after rewarming, as these indicate deep tissue freezing. Persistent numbness or loss of sensation that does not resolve also indicates a severe injury.
A medical professional should assess any burn that results in large blisters or affects sensitive areas, such as the eyes, face, or joints. Blisters that are blood-filled, rather than clear, suggest a deeper level of tissue injury. Signs of infection, including increasing redness, swelling, pus, or fever, also warrant a medical visit.
Prevention
Preventative measures should be taken to avoid future incidents.
- Always handle dry ice using heavy, insulated gloves or tongs to prevent direct skin contact.
- When transporting or storing the substance, ensure the area is well-ventilated, as the sublimating carbon dioxide gas can displace oxygen.
- Never dispose of dry ice in a sink, toilet, or sealed container, as pressure buildup from sublimation can cause an explosion.