Hot compresses are used to administer herbal medicines, like onions or castor oil, or to soothe muscle and joint pain, toothaches or boils. The term hot compress is actually somewhat of a misnomer; the term warm compress, which is used interchangeably with hot compress, is more accurate. Making a hot compress follows the exact same process as creating a cold or cool compress; only the temperature of the water differs.
Step 1
Pour water that's as hot as you can stand to touch into a wide bowl. This may come directly from the tap or, if you're a purist, you may choose to heat distilled water in a pot or kettle.
Step 2
Fold a cotton or flannel cloth in half several times, until it forms a square of at least two or three layers thick.
Step 3
Place the folded cloth in the warm water and leave it there until saturated---this only takes a few seconds if you submerge it. Make sure the bowl isn't so full that this makes it overflow.
Step 4
Remove the cloth from the water, wring it out until it's only damp---not soaked or dripping---and then place it on the affected area.
Step 5
Place a square of plastic wrap over the compress. The piece of plastic wrap should be large enough to overlap the cloth on all sides, sealing it---and its heat---against your skin.
Step 6
Lightly wrap the compress with a bandage to help keep it in place. Don't tighten the bandage any more than necessary; the goal of a hot compress is to increase circulation, not to reduce it.
Tips and Warnings
- The softer, thicker and more absorbent the cloth you use to make your hot compress, the more effective it will be.
- Make sure not to boil the water if you heat it on the stove; if it's too hot to touch for more than an instant, it's going to burn you.
Things You'll Need
- Wide bowl
- Cotton or flannel cloth
- Plastic wrap
- Bandage
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