What is the difference between a hot compress and a cold compress? When exactly do you use it?

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Hot and cold compresses have long been popular treatments for injuries and pain. Both methods are effective in relieving pain and inflammation. But it should be used in the correct way and appropriate to the symptoms in order to get good results.

What is the difference between a hot compress and a cold compress? When exactly do you use it?

Hot compress

 Hot compresses stimulate blood flow to the injured or painful area. This causes the muscles to relax. Relieve pain and inflammation It also enhances the repair of damaged tissues.

When to use it?

  • Chronic pain or inflammation such as neck pain, back pain, and joint pain.
  • Acute pain or inflammation such as sprains, ankle sprains
  • muscle pain
  • menstrual pain
  • postpartum pain

How to make a hot compress

  • Use a towel soaked in hot water, squeeze until it’s damp, and apply it to the painful or inflamed area for 20-30 minutes.
  • Use a heating pad or hot water bag on the painful or inflamed area for 20-30 minutes.
  • Take a warm shower

Precautions

  • Do not apply heat to areas that are open or bleeding.
  • Do not use a hot compress for too long. Because it may cause the skin to burn.

Cold compress

Cold compresses reduce blood flow to the injured or painful area. As a result, pain and inflammation are reduced. It also helps prevent the injury from getting worse.

When to use it?

  • Acute pain or inflammation such as injury from a blow, toothache, headache.
  • Swelling
  • Bruising
  • Inflammation after surgery

How to make a cold compress

  • Use an ice pack wrapped in a towel and apply it to the painful or inflamed area for 20 minutes.
  • Soak a washcloth in cold water, squeeze until it’s damp, and apply it to the painful or inflamed area for 20 minutes.

Precautions

  • You shouldn’t use a cold compress for too long. Because it may make the ยูฟ่าเบท skin numb.
  • Do not apply ice to areas that are open or bleeding.

summarize

Hot and cold compresses are effective treatments for injuries or pain. But it should be used in the correct way and appropriate to the symptoms in order to get good results.