Types of Compress and Rules of Use

Compress is one way to reduce heat which is certainly familiar to you and your family. But compressing isn't as easy as it seems. Choosing the type of compress to handle fever or other conditions, such as injuries, can not be arbitrary. Come on, understand compresses further here. Compress is generally used to relieve inflammation or swelling, reduce pain due to injury to muscles or joints, and increase blood flow.

Know the Types of Compress

Broadly speaking, there are two types of compresses, namely hot compresses (warm) and cold compresses. Hot compresses are also divided into two types of compresses for different conditions, with different rules of use. Likewise with cold compresses. Here are the types of compresses that you need to know more about.

Hot compress

Hot compresses, or more accurately called warm compresses, can increase circulation and blood flow to the affected area, thus helping to relieve the pain caused. This compress is also able to restore the flexibility of injured muscles and body tissues. There are two types of hot compresses, namely:

  • Dry heat

    • This type of compress is easier to do. Examples of hot dry compresses that are commonly done are heating pillows and saunas.

  • Moist heat

    • This compress is more effective when compared with a dry hot compress, that is by using a towel soaked not with boiling water but warm water, or by means of a warm bath.
Hot compresses can be applied to only certain parts of the body or throughout the body. For heat therapy applications throughout the body, you can try a sauna or a warm bath. Do not use hot compresses on open wounds and bruised or swollen areas. Patients with heart and blood vessel disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, dermatitis, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and multiple sclerosis should consult a doctor first before undergoing hot compress therapy.

Cold compress

This type of compress can reduce blood flow and nerve activity in the affected area, so that it will also reduce swelling, inflammation, and pain that arises. Some cold compress options that can be done include:
  • Cold Towel.
  • Ice pack or frozen gel.
  • Cooling spray.
  • Ice massage.
  • Ice bath.
Don't give cold compresses to stiff muscles or joints. Do not also use cold compresses if you have poor blood circulation, have diabetes, or have sensory nerve disorders that are unable to feel certain sensations. People with sensory disorders may not realize if tissue damage or other injuries have occurred due to their inability to feel the cold. Cold compress therapy is not recommended for patients with heart disease or cardiovascular disease without the knowledge of a doctor.

Suggestions for use of hot compresses

Hot compresses can be done for a longer duration than cold compresses. But in general the recommended time for a hot compress is 15-20 minutes. To deal with a little more severe pain or severe pain, you can do bath therapy or warm bath for 30 minutes to a maximum of two hours. For whatever hot compress is used, consider the following conditions:
  • Fever in children. Use warm water or lukewarm to soak a towel or a compress before applying the compress.
  • Stiff joints due to arthritis.
  • Headaches caused by tightening of the neck or jaw muscles.
  • Muscle aches after exercising with high intensity.
  • Muscle cramps.
  • Chronic pain, as in fibromyalgia.
Stop hot compresses if the area being compressed becomes even more swollen. See your doctor if a hot compress doesn't work to relieve pain or other conditions within one week, or it gets worse within a few days after the compress is done. Make sure the compress temperature is not too hot to prevent skin burns.

Rules for use of cold compresses

Cold compresses are recommended for treatment of acute injuries that have just occurred and should only be used within the first 48 hours (two days) after you experience an injury, such as a sprain or bruising. In addition to bruises and sprains, cold compresses can also be used to treat the following conditions:
  • Insect bite.
  • Itchy.
  • Burning or burning sensation that arises due to arthritis.
  • Migraine.
  • Tendonitis
  • Bursitis.
  • Eyes puffy.
The recommended time for cold compresses is 10-15 minutes, a maximum of 20 minutes. Compress that is too cold or too long can actually slow healing, inhibit blood circulation, and cause damage to the skin, nerves or body tissues. Stop cold compresses and contact your doctor if the area of ​​the body being compressed is getting swollen after 48 hours of using cold compresses. Whatever type of compress you use, whether warm or cold, remember to always put a towel or cloth between the skin and the area of ​​the injured body with both types of compresses. Do not place compresses directly on the skin or areas of your body. Always pay attention to the condition of the skin or the area affected by the compress to avoid the risk of skin burns or tissue damage in that area. Call your doctor if handling with compresses can cause changes in the skin or the compressed area, such as bruises, burning or blistering, and numbness.

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