Should I use cold or hot compress for a stye? The difference between cold and hot compresses

Both cold and heat are temperature stimuli to the body, which can cause changes in the cardiovascular system, blood system, respiratory system, metabolism, etc., and play an anti-inflammatory, analgesic, warming and cooling role. So what are the effects of cold compress and hot compress?

1. The effect of cold compress

Cold compress can cause the subcutaneous blood vessels to contract, so it can be used to stop bleeding. The most commonly used method is to pat and wash the nose with cold water, or to place a towel dipped in cold water on the forehead and bridge of the nose, both of which have a hemostatic effect.

Local cold compress for pain relief can inhibit the activity of tissue cells and nerve endings and relieve pain. It can also constrict blood vessels and reduce local blood flow, thereby reducing pressure on nerve endings and also has an analgesic effect. However, the cold compress time should not be too long. It should be applied every 3-4 hours, each time for 20-30 minutes.

To reduce swelling, apply cold compress immediately after a sprain or bruise. This can cause the blood vessels to constrict and prevent blood from flowing into the surrounding tissues. When the cold compress stops and the blood returns to normal, the body has already repaired and coagulated the injured part, thus reducing local blueing and swelling. After two or three days, in order to speed up the absorption of bleeding, you can switch to hot compress.

Prevent inflammation, suppuration and the spread of infection. Cold can reduce local blood flow, thus stopping the progression and spread of infection. Cold compress can also weaken bacteria and tissue activity, thus preventing inflammation.

It is worth noting that when applying cold compress, you should always check the color of the skin. If the skin color turns blue and purple and you feel numbness, it means venous blood stasis. You must stop the cold compress immediately, otherwise it will hinder the supply of nutrition and oxygen, reduce the resistance of cells, and cause tissue necrosis in severe cases.

2. The effect of hot compress

Dissipate inflammation, promote suppuration, and warm energy to cause local congestion, enhance blood circulation and the phagocytic ability of white blood cells. Therefore, it has the effects of promoting the absorption of inflammation (reducing inflammation and swelling) and promoting suppuration. For example, hot compresses are suitable for abscesses, furuncles, and lymphadenitis before they become suppurative.

Hot compresses are effective in relieving joint pain or abdominal pain caused by cold or flatulence.

To keep the elderly or seriously ill patients warm, hot compresses can be used when their blood circulation is poor or their body temperature drops below 36°C.

Please note: Do not apply hot compresses to patients with acute appendicitis or dental infection or suppuration.