Ice the Pain

Skin cooling induced month-long diminution of mechanical and thermal pain sensation but did not affect perception of itch.

Cryolipolysis uses skin cooling to reduce fat. Hypoesthesia over the treated area is a usual side effect. Cooling causes crystallization of cytoplasmic lipids, selectively injuring fat cells, and apparently nerve cells as well. Perhaps cryolipolysis could be used to treat chronic cutaneous pain or itch?

To study this hypothesis, investigators prospectively evaluated nociception by quantitative sensory testing to a range of stimuli in 11 healthy subjects with visible adiposity of the thighs. Skin on one leg was cooled with cold metal plates for 60 minutes, and the other leg served as a control. Hyposensitivity to mechanical pain was observed at each time point for 56 days. The mechanical pain threshold was raised compared to baseline and cont…

Reviewing Author

Mark V. Dahl, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory board Ulthera, Inc.; AuBio LifeSciences, LLC; Paris Therapeutics

Equity Elorac, Inc.; Makucell, Inc.; Paris Therapeutics

Editorial boards UpToDate

Leadership positions in professional societiesNational Rosacea Society (Chairman, Medical Board)