Protective dressing with reusable phase-change material cooling insert

An apparatus for modifying the temperature of a person's skin in a localized region, the apparatus comprising:

• a skin contacting surface;
• a heat sink having a first temperature different from the temperature of the skin being contacted by the skin contacting surface to create a temperature gradient between the skin and the heat sink;
• and
• a flow path configured to allow heat to flow between the skin and the heat sink,
• wherein the apparatus comprises:
• a thermoelectric module that includes a first surface that is configured to be the skin contacting surface and a non-adhesive surface, and a second surface, positioned away from the skin contacting surface;
• an adhesive layer configured to overlie the thermoelectric module, on the second surface, to secure the thermoelectric module to the skin;
• and
• a power source operable to cause the thermoelectric module to transfer heat between the first surface of the thermoelectric module and the second surface of the thermoelectric module;
• wherein the flow path is thermally conductive and
• facilitates the transfer of heat between the heat sink and the second surface of thermoelectric module.