You could use hot and cold compresses for many things. You should know when and how to use these very simple home treatments.

The purpose of hot compresses is to increase blood flow into blood vessels to facilitate healing, while the purpose of cold compresses is to constrict blood vessels to reduce swelling and pain.

Before using hot and cold compresses, you should classify if they are treatable by using these criteria:

1. There are no open or invasive wounds.

2. There is no nausea or vomiting.

3. Patients with debilitating or lifetime illnesses like diabetes, heart ailments, should consult first their doctors before commencing treatment.

4. The swelling or bump is not caused by other internal conditions like hepatomegaly, uremia and the like.

5. Bring to the hospital immediately persons with second degree and 3rd degree injuries. This is when the epidermis is already involved. It is in the epidermis that blood vessels, capillaries and venules are present.

So when do you use the cold compress?

Cold compress is used when there are swelling/inflammations caused by bumps. You apply the cold compress after every 15 for 5-7 minutes for 30-minute duration at least 3 times a day. Do not apply the ice directly into the skin as it may cause injury to bare skin because it has the tendency to cling to the ice. Wrap the ice in a clean cloth or placed it in an ice water bag. You could buy and ice water bag so you could use this whenever necessary. Shorten the time of application, if severe pain is experienced.

When do you use the hot compress?

You use the hot compress in the same manner that you use the cold compress. This is to hasten healing. It can be used an hour after the cold application, in the same time duration and interval. Avoid scalding by using a hot bag. Be sure the bag is closed properly and a use a clean cloth between the bag and the skin of the person. The person should tolerate the heat too or you will be causing more harm than benefit. It should be hot enough to warm the area but not burn it.

Remember the criteria above before initiating the use of these compresses. If uncertain, consult a licenses physician. You should approach certain conditions best on a case-to-case basis. When you know simple remedies for simple bumps, then it would benefit you in the future

Allan enjoys writing up on a variety of subjects. Other than the above topic, he also likes to set up sites on different topics. Do check out his new site which covers useful information on dumbbells for sale.

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