How to apply cold compress

Cold and hot compresses are two common methods used after sports injuries, and many people are aware of this solution. Whether it is cold compress or hot compress, you can take one of them whenever it is convenient. When using cold compresses, you can lower the temperature of the local area or even the whole body, gradually constrict blood vessels, avoid bleeding, bruising, swelling, reduce the metabolic rate, and delay nerve conduction, thereby achieving preventive and therapeutic effects. So, how to apply cold compress?

How to apply cold compress

The first method is to use an ice pack. Crush the ice into small pieces and put them into a bag. Add some cold water and then place the ice bag on the cold area. Do not apply ice for too long to avoid frostbite on the skin.

The second method is to use a wet towel for cold compress. Put a towel in cold water, wring out half of the water until there is no dripping, and then apply it to the affected area. Change it every 3 to 5 minutes. It is recommended to use two towels and use them alternately.

effect

Hemostasis: Coldness causes blood vessels to constrict, thus stopping bleeding. When stopping gastrointestinal bleeding, drinking some ice water intermittently is far more effective than general hemostatic drugs. For example, if there is a hematoma caused by trauma, immediate local ice compress can stop the bleeding and prevent the hematoma from further expanding.

Swelling reduction: After a sprain or bruise, swelling occurs due to the rupture of small blood vessels and the seepage of blood into the surrounding tissues. The swelling compresses the nerve endings and causes pain. Cold compress causes blood vessels to constrict, thereby blocking this pathological process. After the cold compress stops and the blood returns to normal, the damaged part of the body has been repaired and blood coagulation has occurred, thus reducing the local blueing and swelling. Apply hot compress again after 2-3 days to promote the absorption of blood stasis. This is the best way to treat sprains. If you apply hot compress, massage, or move around immediately after a sprain, it will only increase the swelling and do more harm than good.

Cooling: Cold can take away heat. When encountering high fever and general antipyretic drugs are ineffective, people often seek help from whole body cold compresses, mainly applying cold compresses to the head, neck, armpits, groin, fossa and other parts with large blood vessels. Cold compresses can be applied with cold water, ice water, alcohol, etc. Cold compress is a simple, safe, fast and economical way to reduce fever.