Make Your Own Cold Compress At Home And Know Its Benefits

A cold pack compress is one of the most important things you should put in your first aid box. It helps reduce bleeding, inflammation, and bruising during the first 48 hours after an injury occurs.

The cold temperature offers a numbing effect on the nerves, which plays a key role in reducing inflammation and swelling as well as limit any bruising. Additionally, the cold temperature limits circulation and causes blood vessels to contract, thereby preventing further bleeding.

When using a cold compress, it is best to alternate between 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off.

Make your own cold compress at home using some readily available items.

Ice Pack

The best and simplest ways to make a cold compress at home is by using ice cubes.

1. Put some ice cubes in a plastic bag.
2. Run a washcloth under cold water.
3. Wrap the washcloth around the plastic bag of ice.
4. Apply the compress to the affected area.

Frozen Food Compress

In this compress, it's best to use smaller vegetables like corn or peas so that the compress can sit well on your skin.

1. Have a bag of frozen peas or any other small vegetable.
2. Run a washcloth under cold water.
3. Wrap the frozen food bag with the washcloth.
4. Apply the compress to the affected area.

Cold Spoon Compress

Especially for tired and puffy eyes, a cold spoon compress works as a great cold compress. It also works well for reducing the pain and swelling of a hickey.

Rubbing Alcohol Cold Compress

Rubbing alcohol can help change the freezing point of water, thus making the water unable to harden into a block of ice. This compress is more flexible to apply to various parts of the body.

1. Combine ½ cup of rubbing alcohol and 1½ cups of water.
2. Pour the solution into a quart-sized ziplock bag.
3. Seal and place the bag in the freezer overnight or for several hours.
4. When applying it to the affected area, put a cloth between your skin and the gel pack.

Towel Compress

If ice is not available, you can use a small towel to make a cold compress. This compress made from wet towel is more comfortable for sensitive areas like the eyes.

1. Dampen a small towel with cold water.
2. Squeeze out the excess water and then place it in a sealable plastic bag.
3. Place the plastic bag in the freezer for 15 minutes.
4. Your cold compress is ready for use.

Rice Grains Cold Compress

Rice is great at retaining cold temperature.

1. In a sealable plastic bag, put a cup of uncooked rice.
2. Put the bag in the freezer overnight.
3. When you need to use the cold compress, wrap it in a thin cloth and apply it accordingly.

Salt Compress

Ordinary table salt is very effective if you want a cold compress that retains the coldness for a longer duration. Adding salt to the water will keep it from freezing completely, making the ice pack more flexible in nature.

1. Add 2 tablespoons of salt to 2 cups of water.
2. Pour the solution into a medium-sized ziplock bag.
3. Seal and put the bag in the freezer for several hours or overnight.
4. Wrap the cold pack in a thin cloth before use.

Benefits Of Using A Cold Compress

Muscle Cramps - First, use a hot compress when you suffer from muscle cramps. Then to get relief from the pain, use a cold compress on the sore muscles. It will help the affected muscle to relax.

Swelling - Apply a cold compress to minimize swelling in the first 48 hours following an acute injury.

Black Eye - Immediately apply an ice pack to the affected area to help reduce the swelling and constrict the blood vessels to minimize the risk of internal bleeding.

A toothache - The numbing effect of cold compress on the nerves can lessen the pain in the jaw due to some kind of oral problem.

Rashes - Skin rashes are associated itching and burning sensation and this can be treated with a cold compress.

Pimples - Appearance of your pimples and redness can be minimized by using a cold compress as its cold temperature helps contract the blood vessels underneath the skin.

Fever - Reduce high fever by placing a moist, cool compress on the forehead.

Eye Strain - Close your eyes and place a cold pack on them for a minute.

Insect Bites - Stop itching and reduce swelling when bitten or stung by an insect by applying a cold compress on the affected area.

Razor Burns - Get instant relief from the burning sensation caused by razor burns by using a cold pack. It helps reduce redness, itching, and inflammation.