Knowing the Difference Between Warm and Cold Compresses, What Are They?

The difference between warm and cold compresses. (Photo: Freepik)

YOGYAKARTA - Many people think that hot compresses and cold compresses have the same function. This is what makes these two types of compresses often used carelessly. In fact, hot compresses and cold compresses have different functions and ways of working. So, what are the differences between warm and cold compresses? Check out the full review below.

Reported from Healthy, compresses consist of two types, namely hot compresses and cold compresses. Hot compresses are generally referred to as warm compresses, because the temperature used for compressing is not high, namely around 380C.

Heat compression and cold compression have different ways of working. Their application must also be carried out in the right conditions so that they can work well to overcome the complaints that arise.

Function and How to Apply Hot Compress

Heat compresses are often applied as a way to lower a fever. This type of compress works by evaporating body heat through the skin's pores so that the fever can go down.

Heat compresses are also useful in increasing blood flow, so they can reduce pain and speed up the healing process. Therefore, this compress can be used as a way to treat various conditions, such as a stuffy nose, ear pain, watery eyes, menstrual pain, and tense muscles.

To make a hot compress, you can do it quite easily. The first step, fill a drinking bottle with enough warm water. Next, close the bottle tightly and apply it to the area of the body that is sick for 15-20 minutes.

In addition to using bottles, hot compresses can also be made by soaking a towel or washcloth in a basin filled with warm water. The next step, squeeze and apply to the body that is sick for 20 minutes.

However, what you need to know, you should avoid using hot compresses with high temperatures. The maximum recommended temperature is 380C. If it exceeds this temperature, your skin is at risk of burning or irritation.

Warm and Cold Compress Difference

As previously explained, warm compresses can relieve pain by promoting blood flow. Meanwhile, cold compresses work in the opposite way.

Cold compresses work by slowing down blood flow to relieve inflammation that includes redness in the skin, swelling, and pain. Some of these signs usually appear shortly after the body is injured or injured.

In areas of the body that have recently been injured or injured, hot compresses cannot be applied directly. Before compressing the injured body with a hot compress, you must give it a break of about 48 hours.

Unlike cold compresses, you can apply them immediately and don't have to wait 48 hours.

From the explanation, we can conclude that there is a difference in the function and way of working of warm compresses with cold compresses to relieve pain. So, use this compress properly so that the benefits can be obtained to the maximum.

After using both compresses, your skin may experience redness. However, you don't have to worry because the effect is only temporary.

That's the review of the difference between warm and cold compresses that can be known. Hopefully useful. Visit VOI.id for other interesting information.