How often should I apply cold compress?
Cold compress is generally applied for 15-20 minutes each time, every six hours or so. If there is a sprain or trauma, and the local skin shows symptoms of swelling, cold compress can be applied within 48 hours. Cold compress can promote capillary contraction, which can achieve hemostasis and reduce local tissue exudation. When applying cold compress, remember to use a towel or gauze as a barrier to prevent frostbite of the skin. To perform a cold compress, use gauze or a towel to cover the affected area, then place ice cubes on top for about 10-15 minutes. After removing the ice cubes, wait for half an hour and apply cold compress again, repeat the process every half hour for a total of two times a day. Understanding the process and purpose of cold compress will greatly help reduce local swelling after sprains or traumas.
The main functions of cold compress are detumescence and analgesia, specifically as follows: 1. Cold compress is suitable for the acute stage of trauma. It can rapidly constrict the local traumatized blood vessels. Typically, after three days of cold compress, the blood vessels remain contracted, which helps reduce local swelling and avoid increased exudation, greatly benefiting the patient's recovery. 2. Cold compress can also reduce nerve sensitivity, causing short-term dysfunction of nerve conduction, so that patients do not perceive severe local pain, thereby alleviating clinical pain. 3. Cold compress is very effective for the treatment of acute trauma. Immediate continuous local cold compress should be applied after trauma occurs. If the patient is afraid of cold, intermittent cold compress can also be used, with each application lasting 30 minutes and a total of 6-8 times per day. Cold compress should not be applied during nighttime rest to avoid frostbite.
