| Warm compress | |
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 Microwavable warm compresses used for treatment of different eyelid diseases. | |
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A warm compress is a method of applying heat to the body. Heating sources can include warm water, microwaveable pads, wheat packs and electrical or chemical pads. Some unorthodox methods can include warmed potatoes, uncooked rice, and hard-boiled eggs. The most common warm compress is a warm, wet washcloth.
Uses
Warm compresses are a common non-pharmacological therapy used in the treatment of things such as sports injuries, dental pain, post-operative wound healing, and ophthalmic conditions. They are believed to improve blood flow, increase oxygenation in tissues and help manage inflammation.
For eye problems
Warm compresses are commonly used for the treatment of certain ocular conditions such as:
- dry eyes
- pinkeye (conjunctivitis)
- stye or chalazion
- swollen eyelids (blepharitis)
- meibomian gland dysfunction
- muscle spasms or pain
For injury to muscle or joint
For both muscle and joint injuries, it is common to alternate both cold and warm compresses to manage inflammation. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and corticosteroids may also be used in conjunction.
References
- ^ "Warm Compresses for Eye Problems - Topic Overview". WebMD. Retrieved 15 October 2016.
- ^ Jones, Yian Jin; Georgesuc, Dan; McCann, John D.; Anderson, Richard L. (2010). "Microwave Warm Compress Burns". Ophthalmic Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery. 26 (3): 219. doi:10.1097/iop.0b013e3181c063b0. ISSN 0740-9303. PMID 20489556.
- Canter, Julie. "What Is Meibomian Gland Dysfunction?". Webmd.com. Retrieved 24 February 2022.
- Leeper-Woodford, Sandra; Adkinson, Linda (2015). "Chapter 3: Musculoskeletal System". Lippincott Illustrated Reviews: Integrated Systems. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins. ISBN 978-1451190960.