How often should a cold pack be reapplied to avoid skin damage?

Reapplying a cold pack every 20 minutes is a standard practice to avoid skin damage while providing effective treatment for injuries. When cold therapy is administered, it helps reduce swelling and pain by constricting blood vessels. However, keeping the cold source in contact with the skin for too long can lead to issues such as frostbite or skin irritation.

The 20-minute duration strikes a balance between providing sufficient cooling to alleviate pain and inflammation while allowing the skin to recover and warm up between applications. Following this guideline helps to ensure patient safety and comfort, making it a widely accepted practice in clinical settings when administering cold therapy.

The other time frames suggested may either lead to insufficient therapeutic effects or increase the risk of skin damage due to prolonged exposure to cold. Thus, adhering to a 20-minute interval helps ensure both efficacy and safety in treatment.