Is Cooling Your Neck Dangerous? A Complete Guide to the Risks of Dermatitis and Necrosis When Using Neck Coolers and How to Use Them Safely

Below, we will re-list "12. Reference Article List (External Links, Date Order)" with clickable links.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction: The Era of Extreme Heat and the Cool Sensation Goods Boom

2. Types and Mechanisms of Neck Coolers
   2-1 PCM Ice Ring / 2-2 Peltier Element Neck Cooler / 2-3 Neck Fan

3. Why Do Dermatitis and Necrosis Occur? Mechanisms and Clinical Cases
   3-1 Cold Burn (Cooling Frostbite) / 3-2 Contact Dermatitis / 3-3 Progression to Necrosis

4. "10 Dangerous Uses": How Many Apply to You?

5. 10 Safety Measures to Minimize Risks

6. Additional Precautions for High-Risk Groups (Children, Elderly, Those with Chronic Illnesses)

7. Comparison of Overseas and Japanese Products: Standards, Labels, and Recall Cases

8. First Aid and Medical Consultation Guide for Troubles

9. Expert Interview: What Becomes the Turning Point for Severity?

10. Future Cooling Technology and Regulatory Trends

11. Conclusion: Achieving Both "Coolness" and "Safety" with Correct Knowledge

12. Reference Article List (External Links, Date Order)

1. Introduction: The Era of Extreme Heat and the Cool Sensation Goods Boom

According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, the average temperature in Japan has risen by about 1°C over the past 30 years, and the number of "extremely hot days" exceeding 35°C has more than doubled in major cities. Amid power shortages and energy-saving requests, neck coolers that can be worn both outdoors and indoors are favored for their "hands-free coolness for several hours," with the domestic market size in 2024 reaching 182% of the previous year, approximately 42 billion yen.Mainichi Shimbun
However, accidents have also become apparent behind the rapid expansion. On May 27, 2025, the Consumer Affairs Agency published a document titled "Beware of Skin Disorders Caused by Cool Sensation Goods!" introducing cases of dermatitis caused by neck cooler liquid leakage.Goo NewsCareer Development Promotion Center

2. Types and Mechanisms of Neck Coolers

2-1 PCM Ice Ring

Encapsulates "PCM (Phase Change Material)" that repeatedly changes between solid and liquid around 28°C. Maintains the neck area at 20-28°C through the latent heat of freezing and melting, with the advantage of not requiring power. Although the contents are mainly petroleum-based paraffin, which has low skin irritability, contact dermatitis can occur if leaked liquid adheres.Yomimono THE GIFT

2-2 Peltier Element Neck Cooler

Utilizes the "Peltier effect" to cool one side and heat the other by passing electricity. The cooling surface temperature can be set between 0-15°C, while the heating surface can reach up to 50°C. Although efficiency is low and battery consumption is high, it is popular among those seeking strong cooling sensations.There are risks of frostbite on the cooling surface and burns on the heating surface with prolonged contact.PMC

2-3 Neck Fan

A type that directs airflow to the neck area with a small fan. Direct cooling is weak, but there are few reports of skin disorders.

3. Why Do Dermatitis and Necrosis Occur? Mechanisms and Clinical Cases

• Case 1: Liquid Leakage + Contact Dermatitis
  On June 18, 2025, a third-grade elementary school student wearing an ice ring developed redness and swelling around the entire neck 30 minutes later. Investigation confirmed a crack in the ring's outer skin and paraffin leakage.Sirabee
  
  

• Case 2: From Cold Burn to Necrosis
  A 50-year-old man in Tokyo used a Peltier neck cooler continuously for four hours while sleeping. The next morning, blisters and pain appeared, and three days later, epidermal necrosis occurred. The necrosis extended to the middle layer of the dermis, requiring skin grafting. A doctor pointed out, "Although the carotid artery area is rich in blood flow, necrosis progresses quickly when mechanical pressure and low temperature overlap."PubMed

4. "10 Dangerous Uses"

1. Wearing a 0°C ring directly on bare skin immediately after freezing

2. Continuous wearing for more than 30 minutes (recommended is less than 20 minutes)

3. Using while falling asleep or during sleep

4. Using adult-sized products on children or the elderly

5. Continuing to use products with cracks from falling

6. Leaving in a car under the scorching sun→contents expand and burst

7. Fixing Peltier type in high output mode

8. Wearing on wet skin or sweaty skin

9. Wearing so tight that it constricts the neck

10. Using with synthetic fiber neck covers, hindering ventilation

5. 10 Safety Measures to Minimize Risks

1. 20 minutes use→20 minutes restas the basic cycle

2. Do not let it touch bare skin directly, insert a towel or special cover

3. Check surface temperature by hand after freezing (10-15°C is the guideline)

4. Check for damage, deformation, and liquid leakage every time

5. Prohibit use during sleep. If necessary, use the fan type

6. Avoid use for infants, and parents should supervise school-age children

7. Consult a doctor for those with peripheral circulation disorders or diabetes and use only for a short time

8. For Peltier type, pay attention to the orientation of the cooling and heating surfaces

9. Stop use immediately if the battery expands or overheats

10. Follow the official manual and check safety standards like PSE/CE marks for overseas products

6. Additional Precautions for High-Risk Groups

Children have less subcutaneous fat and are more sensitive to temperature changes. Elderly people have decreased sensation and may not notice abnormalities. Patients with diabetes or peripheral artery disease have reduced blood flow, making necrosis progress more easily. These individuals should adhere to the "10-minute-10-minute rule," check skin color with a mirror, and have family or caregivers check every two hours.Cleveland Clinic

7. Comparison of Overseas and Japanese Products: Standards, Labels, and Recall Cases

• Japan: Obligated to display materials and heat resistance temperature under the Household Goods Quality Labeling Act. Not subject to PSE but has guidelines from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.

• EU: CE marking indicates compliance with RoHS and safety tests.

• USA: CPSC regulates chemical substances in children's products. In 2024, Newmemo's "Kids Neck Cooling Ring" was recalled due to liquid leakage.Instagram

8. First Aid and Medical Consultation Guide for Troubles

1. Stop Cooling: Remove the product and wash the affected area with running water for 15 minutes.
   
   

2. Observation: Take photos of any redness or blisters.
   
   

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