Why is it important not to apply ice packs directly to the skin?
a.
applying ice directly to the skin won't reduce swelling.
b.
applying ice directly to the skin does not decrease pain.
c.
applying ice directly to the skin can result in nerve damage.
d.
applying ice directly to the skin increases bleeding.

Due to its nature, ice carries the potential to cause some nerve damage if left directly on the skin. This can most easily be compared to frost bite, but is usually not an issue as the quantity and amount of time the skin would generally be exposed to ice is usually quite low (athletes frequently take ice baths after all).

Cotton with iron probably