DIY Cold Compress: A Simple Guide for Beginners

Ice compress can be used in many problems. It is beneficial for many conditions. You can use cold compresses on any part of the body, although applying ice compresses on newborn babies is not recommended. The benefits of ice compresses are as follows -

• To stop or reduce bleeding in case of injury. 
• For hemorrhoid pain. 
• For a headache.
• To reduce fever. 
• To reduce swelling. 
• For muscle strain.
• For bruises.
• For inflammation of tendons (flexible tissue connecting muscle to bone).
• For gout pain.
• For sprain. 
• For eye allergies. 

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There are many ways and methods of applying ice compresses or cold compresses. These methods are as follows -

With ice packs
There are ice packs available in the market which become cold when kept in the freezer and you can apply them. However, they become too cold and start heating up when taken out of the fridge.

With peas
You can also apply cold compresses with a packet of frozen peas. This is a very easy method and only requires a packet of frozen peas. Instead of peas, you can also use any other small item or frozen vegetable, such as a packet of corn.

With rice
You can use rice to apply cold compresses. For this, put rice in a plastic bag and close it and keep it in the freezer or fridge. Rice does not cool down quickly, so it can be used for long periods of time. 

With ice cubes
It is easiest to apply ice cubes and ice is easily available in every home. However, do not put ice directly on your skin as it can damage your skin. 

With cold pack
Cold packs are available in the market which contain two different types of chemicals. By squeezing or pressing this pack, these chemicals mix together and this pack starts cooling. However, such a pack can be used only once.

With towel
If you do not have ice, then you can soak a small towel in cold water and apply it. This is also a very easy way to apply and can also be used on sensitive places like eyes.

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The method of applying ice compress or cold compress is as follows-

• Choose the right way of compress. There are many ways to apply fomentation, which we told you about in the section 'Types of fomentation'. You can choose the right method according to your choice or the things available in the house.
• If possible, try to raise the swollen affected area. By doing this, the blood present in that area will decrease and the swelling will decrease. The best way to do this is to raise the affected area above the heart area. 
• Now wrap the object you have chosen for fomentation in a towel. If you apply a cold object directly on your skin, then your skin can get damaged. 
• After this, apply pressure on your affected area and move it all over the area. If you do not want to hold it with your hands for a long time, then you can also tie it to your skin with a cloth or something else. However, be careful that you do not tie it too tight, doing so can block the flow of blood. 
• Now remove your ice pack from the skin after 10 to 15 minutes, otherwise it can damage your skin. Do not sleep with it on.
• You should repeat this process every 2 hours so that you can get quick relief.

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Generally, hot compress is more beneficial than cold compress for injuries that take longer to heal.Keep the following things in mind while applying ice -

• Never place ice directly on the skin, always wrap it in a cloth or towel. Not doing this can burn your skin. 
• If the ability to feel any part of your body has decreased due to diabetes or any other disease, do not apply cold compress on that part. 
• Never apply cold compress on any major injury.
• Do not apply ice compress on the same place for a long time, this can cause frostbite.

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Ice pack therapy is an effective way to get relief from injury or swelling. To do this, wrap the ice in a clean cloth or plastic bag, so that the skin is not directly damaged. Keep it on the affected area for 10-15 minutes and keep removing it in between, so that the cold does not have an excessive effect. It reduces swelling, relieves pain, and relaxes the muscles. This can be done 2-3 times a day. Keep in mind that avoid applying ice directly on the skin and if the problem increases, seek medical advice.