Hot and Cold Application

Hot and Cold application is the application of dry, moist or wet form to the body; either hot or cold.






Indications:

a.) Hot application
   1. Relief of swelling.
   2. Relief of pain caused by deep congestion.
   3. Healing of wounds, removal of toxin.
   4. Reduction of muscle spasm.
   5. Relief of fatigue.
   6. Elimination.
   7. Warmth, comfort.



b.) Cold application
   1. Relief of pain.
   2. Controlling hemorrhage.
   3. Treating early stages of burns.
   4. Prevention of gangrene.
   5. Reducing fever.
   6. Comfort.


Contraindications:

a.) Hot application
   1. When vasodilation will increase discomfort.
   2. With an inflammatory process (e.g appendicitis)
   3. Possibility of hemorrhage.

b.) Cold application
   1. Bluish, purple appearance in the skin or mucous membrane.
   2. Numbness.
   3. Pain due to contracted muscle.
   4. Lowered body temperature, shivering.


Methods of application:

a.) Hot application
   * use of hot water bag
   * sterile compress
   * unsterile compress
   * application of hot packs

b.) Cold application
   * use of ice bag/collar
   *sterile compress
   *unsterile compress
   * application of cold packs