Hot Compress Water Therapy
farmeric November 30th, 2011
Hot Compress is different from heating compress. Heat compress is the application of heat to a small area with hot gauze or hot compress cloth.
Benefits of Hot Compress
- Increases circulation locally.
- Relieves pain.
- Relieves congestion.
Things Needed
- A basin of hot water (104 degrees Fahrenheit), or as hot as can be tolerated.
- Gauze or compress cloth (fave towel) or any clean piece of cloth.
- Solution as per order. May used boiled guava leaves in case of infected wound.
- Old newspaper for used dressings.
- Baby oil or cream (use only for eye compress.
Procedure :
- Boil water or guava leaves if compress is for infected wound.
- Apply baby oil on the forehead and eyelids if compress is to be applied on the eyes.
- Wring compress form hot water or hot solution. Partially twist the compress cloth holding it on both ends. Dip the compress into the hot water or solution and twist it lightly, pulling the two ends apart, thus squeezing the water out.
- Apply compress directly on the area to be treated without pressure.
- Compress must be changed frequently at least every 3 minutes. In case of infected wound, discard the used compress cloth or gauze. Use it only once. Do not dip the used compress the second time.
- Continue the compress for 15-20 minutes, renewing it every 3 minutes. Keep the water or solution hot at all times during the treatment.
- At the end of treatment, remove hot compress and dry treated area.
- Apply medication or ointment as ordered by physician in cases of infected wound, boils and ulcers.
- Apply sterile dressing and keep dry.
