Here's how to apply cold compresses to heal injuries

Cold compresses are one of the most common ways to relieve pain during an injury. However, it turns out that this method should not be done carelessly, because it will not be effective in overcoming injuries. Then how do you do the right cold compress? How long does the compress take for the injury?

Treat bruises and inflammation with cold compresses

Cold compresses are commonly used to treat new wounds, bruises, swelling, within 24-48 hours after the injury. Cold compresses are done with the aim of reducing inflammation, reducing bleeding into the tissue, and reducing muscle spasms and pain.

Low temperature can stimulate the size of blood vessels to narrow and slow blood flow at the injury site. In the area of injury, there is an inflammatory process and damage to the blood vessels which will cause the blood cells to leave the blood vessels and cause the skin to become bluish red.

Ice or cold water can reduce the amount of blood that comes out. This reduction in blood flow will cause less inflammatory stimulants moving toward the area of the injury, which can reduce swelling and pain.

Types of cold compresses that can be used

Cold compress can be done in several methods, namely:

Ice towels

Wet a towel in cold water and wring it out until it is damp.
Fold the towel, place it in a clean plastic bag.
Freeze for 15 minutes.
Remove it from the plastic bag and place it on the injured area.

Ice Cube (ice pack)

Place about 1 pound (0.5 kg) of ice in a plastic bag.
Add enough water so that it doesn't cover the ice.
Let out the air in the plastic bag, then close the bag tightly.
Wrap the plastic bag in a wet towel and apply it on the injured area.

Cold water (cold pack)

A frozen bag that is the size of a pea or corn, and can last 10-20 minutes.
Mix three cups of water (710 ml) and one glass (235 ml) of rubbing alcohol in a refrigerator bag.
Cover tightly and place in the refrigerator until it is like mud.
You can also buy cold pack which can be reused.
Keep it in your refrigerator. Some cold packs are designed to cover an injured area, such as an arm or knee.

How long does it take to use a cold compress on an injury?

Cold compress is recommended to be applied at least three times on swollen and inflamed wounds.

For the first 72 hours, apply the cold compress for 10 minutes, once an hour. After that, apply a cold compress for 15-20 minutes, three times a day. Do it in the morning, afternoon or evening after work or school, and about an hour and a half before bed. Also do this compress after a long activity or vigorous exercise.

Always use a cloth between the skin and the ice you are using for the compress, so that the cold does not touch the skin directly. Apply a compress to all of the injured area. Don't use ice for more than 15-20 minutes at a time, and don't fall asleep with a cold compress on your skin.

Avoid the eye area when using the compress cold pack . Because it is too heavy and bulky to use on or around the eyes. In addition, also to avoid chemical burns if cold pack leaking.