Hot and cold applications for Children
- Benson A.R
In applying either heat or cold, it is necessary to apply it continuously, changing the cloths frequently, never allowing the compresses to reach body heat.
Cloths wrung out of ice water may be laid on the forehead when there is high temperature. They must be changed at least every five minutes or oftener if necessary. The cloth should not be allowed to remain on the head and become warm, and if for any reason the cold cannot be continued, the compress should be taken off altogether.
The same applies to cold compresses on the throat. These should be placed under the chin, passing up to the ear, on either side, and held in place by a flannel covering which is fastened securely at the top of the head. Applications of this sort are more effective than those which pass around the neck.
Cold compresses are sometimes prescribed for the chest. Several layers of cotton cloth are so cut that they pass around the chest, back and front, passing under the arms and coming well up on the neck in front and behind. This "jacket" is wrung out of cool (not cold) water and laid on the chest, the whole being covered with a thick flannel or bath towel. The same rules for frequent changes apply here.
Hot compresses are most effective for the relief of abdominal pain. A heavy towel is wrung out of hot water and applied quickly to the abdomen, and covered with a thick flannel. Great care must be used not to burn the skin. At the same time, the application should be as hot as can be borne, and is much more effective than a hot water bag.
In applying either heat or cold, it is necessary to apply it continuously, changing the cloths frequently, never allowing the compresses to reach body heat.
Cloths wrung out of ice water may be laid on the forehead when there is high temperature. They must be changed at least every five minutes or oftener if necessary. The cloth should not be allowed to remain on the head and become warm, and if for any reason the cold cannot be continued, the compress should be taken off altogether.
The same applies to cold compresses on the throat. These should be placed under the chin, passing up to the ear, on either side, and held in place by a flannel covering which is fastened securely at the top of the head. Applications of this sort are more effective than those which pass around the neck.
Cold compresses are sometimes prescribed for the chest. Several layers of cotton cloth are so cut that they pass around the chest, back and front, passing under the arms and coming well up on the neck in front and behind. This "jacket" is wrung out of cool (not cold) water and laid on the chest, the whole being covered with a thick flannel or bath towel. The same rules for frequent changes apply here.
Hot compresses are most effective for the relief of abdominal pain. A heavy towel is wrung out of hot water and applied quickly to the abdomen, and covered with a thick flannel. Great care must be used not to burn the skin. At the same time, the application should be as hot as can be borne, and is much more effective than a hot water bag.
Comments
Post a Comment
PLEASE WRITE YOUR SYMPTOMS HERE TO GET SUGGESTION.