Treatment with compresses, types of compresses

The types of compresses with their purpose are listed below, however, this information is purely informational in nature and in case of severe damage to the skin, headaches and joint pain, as well as other ailments, it is necessary to make an appointment with a general practitioner or traumatologist, depending on the problem.

Dry and cold compresses

Dry compresses are simply cotton wool and a gauze bandage (or a piece of fabric) folded in several layers, which are used as a barrier against the negative effects of the external environment, infection and contamination in case of burns, abrasions, wounds, frostbite of the skin.

Such compresses are made only from sterile materials.

If a person has local inflammation, bruises, or irregular heartbeat, then a cold compress is applied to the required area. It is also made from the above-mentioned materials or a cloth napkin folded 2-4 times and pre-soaked in cold water. When the compress just begins to heat up, it should be renewed.

These compresses relieve headaches, as well as nervous overexcitement, if they are applied to the forehead or neck, since in this case the blood supply to the head decreases.

Water warming compresses

This type of compress looks like a multi-layer napkin or gauze piece, soaked in water and well wrung out, with the use of additional materials. Special paper (you can take parchment) or a polyethylene film of a larger size than the gauze is placed on top of the wet napkin (gauze), and the final layer of the compress is a warm cloth or a downy shawl. Such a compress is usually applied for several hours, and the temperature of the water in which the fabric is soaked should be about twenty degrees Celsius.

A warming compress is an excellent absorbent, which is why it is applied locally for inflammation, respiratory diseases (bronchitis, laryngitis, tracheitis, pharyngitis), arthritis.

Hot compresses

The main purpose of hot compresses is to relieve pain.

A napkin for a compress is soaked in hot water (about 60 degrees) and, after quickly squeezing it out, applied to the desired area. Parchment paper or film is placed on top, and then insulated and fixed with a scarf or warm shawl. After literally 10-15 minutes, the compress needs to be replaced.

Such compresses will have a beneficial effect on eliminating migraines, angina, hepatic and renal colic, and spasms of the smooth muscles of the intestine.

Types of compresses by location of the disease

Compress for the entire body

Take a fairly large piece of coarse cloth (burlap will also do) and fold it in several layers so that it can cover the upper part of the body (from the throat to the lower abdomen). Soak the folded material in water at room temperature (in winter - in warmer water), wring it out thoroughly and cover the body so that the compress hangs down on both sides of the body. Put a warm blanket on top, folded two or three times, to limit air access to the compress. For the same purpose, the throat should be wrapped in a piece of cotton cloth or a scarf and the patient should be left alone for 45-60 minutes. After some time, the wet compress should be removed, dressed and lie in bed for a little while longer or perform the necessary physical exercises.

A compress for the torso is used for bloating (accumulation of gases in the intestines).

A compress for the back

A wet and wrung out piece of gauze the length of the patient's spine, folded in several layers, is placed on a woolen blanket. The patient lies on the prepared compress with his back, well wrapped on all sides with a second blanket so that cold air does not get inside. The duration of such a procedure is 45 minutes, if necessary, the fabric of dreams is moistened in water and the procedure is repeated.

The compress relieves pain in the lower back and spine well, helps with stagnant blood and feverish heat.

If the back pain does not go away, a consultation with a neurologist or orthopedist will help you. It also does not hurt to do an X-ray of the spine.

Compress on the back and chest area

If the child has a wet cough, then a compress of cabbage leaves will be a good medicine. White cabbage leaves are washed, then kept in a "water bath" and, cooled to 40 degrees, placed on the child's back and chest, wrapped in parchment and a warm scarf. The procedure should be repeated three evenings in a row.

Warming compresses for bronchitis are allowed to be applied if the patient's body temperature is not higher than 38 0C, and he does not have pathologies of the cardiovascular and endocrine systems and diabetes, so it is better to get a preliminary consultation with a pediatrician.

Compress on the abdomen

The cloth soaked in water should be wrung out well and folded several times. After placing the compress on the lower abdomen (in the intestinal area), cover the patient well with a woolen or down blanket for 1-2 hours. This compress is very useful for heaviness in the stomach, intestinal colic, and also for the outflow of blood from the heart and sternum. Often, vinegar diluted with water, oat straw decoction, etc. are used for this purpose.

Eye compress

Grate raw potatoes on a fine grater and fold the resulting gruel into two layers of gauze. Place the potato compress on closed eyelids and hold for about 20 minutes. This is an excellent remedy for relieving swelling and inflammation.

If the symptoms do not go away for several days, you will need to consult an ophthalmologist.

As you can see, the options for preparing compresses are quite simple and can be beneficial. However, do not forget that the best doctors do not recommend self-medication, but advise entrusting your health to official medicine.