Should I use cold or hot compresses on my bruises? What's the difference between the two?

Once bruises appear on people's bodies, they are usually caused by trauma. Generally speaking, when treating bruises, people are very concerned about whether to apply cold or hot compresses. The following article will introduce it to you.

Should I use cold or hot compresses on bruises?

Apply cold compress within 48 hours after injury to reduce the sensitivity of nerve endings and relieve pain. Hot compress at this time will aggravate bleeding. After 48 hours, switch to hot compress to promote blood circulation and remove blood stasis.

The difference between cold compress and hot compress:

About cold compress: It mainly cools the surface of the affected area to allow blood vessels to contract to the surrounding area, thereby controlling and reducing the degree of bruising and pain. Suitable for abrasions, sprains, bruises, minor knife wounds, minor burns, fever, headache, toothache, nosebleed, insect bites, high intraocular pressure, etc.

About hot compress: increasing the temperature of the skin surface, dilating blood vessels, increasing blood flow, reducing pain, and allowing the patient to produce more nutrients and protective elements. Suitable for rheumatism, arthritis, back pain, muscle soreness, nasal congestion, neck pain, menstrual pain and sports injuries.