Compress is a multilayer dressing impregnated with a medicinal composition, used for medicinal purposes. Often additionally, when using a compress, the temperature effect is activated.
When do you need cold and hot compresses?
Hot compress should be done under the following conditions:
- angina pectoris - on the left arm;
- chills - popliteal zone;
- spasms in calves of legs;
- hepatic and renal colic.
The warming compress helps to relieve spasms, increase blood flow.
Attention! Hot compresses can not be used in appendicitis, peritonitis, bleeding, and women - and inflammation of the appendages.
Cold compress can be done in such cases:
- with bruises ;
- muscle sprains;
- ruptures of ligaments;
- fractures of limbs;
- increased pressure;
- bleeding.
A cooling compress causes vasoconstriction, reduces the sensitivity of nerve endings.
How to make a compress?
The algorithm for applying a compress is as follows:
- A medicinal solution is poured onto the gauze folded in several layers (or the composition is distributed). As a cold compress, a rubber or polyethylene bag with ice and snow can be used.
- Gauze is applied to the site of inflammation (unless there are special instructions for placing the compress).
- A fixing bandage is put on top of bandage, cotton fabric, and with a warming compress - from a woolen shawl.
- After the procedure, wipe the skin with a soft towel.
For your information! If a hot compress is made, then wax paper or cellophane is applied over the wetted cloth to enhance the warming effect.
What compresses can I do?
Prescriptions of compresses are great. The choice of a medicine or composition depends on the disease. With angina, otitis, radiculitis, rheumatism, gout, alcohol (vodka) compresses are recommended. It is important to observe the proportions. So the vodka is diluted with water half, and when using for compressing alcohol in 1 part of it add 3 parts of water. As a medicinal substance can be used decoctions and infusions of herbs:
- succession;
- chamomile;
- celandine;
- field horsetail, etc.
Also common are recipes
- honey;
- propolis;
- a solution of vinegar;
- animal fats (badger, Kurdiuk, bear);
- vegetable oils (sea-buckthorn, dog-rose, olive, sunflower), etc.
Important! Never use substances for which the patient has an increased allergic reaction.