Cold Compress

Please read Important Points to be Observed with all Treatments before performing this treatment.
Contraindications

1. Lo​cal Skin Inflammation
2. Patients who cannot tolerate cold
3. Patient who is chilled - wait until the entire body is warm

Definition
A cloth wrung from cold or ice water which may be applied to any part of the body.
Equipment

1. Compress may be a wash cloth or hand towel (terry cloth) cheesecloth, etc. (The size depends on the part to be treated.) Use a friction mitt if Cold Mitten Friction is to follow the heating.
2. Basin for ice water

Procedure
Important Considerations

• Some patients cannot tolerate moist cold over sinuses
• Keep bed dry
• Do not drip cold water on patient
• Do not let patient get chilled
• Never cover a cold compress, it heats too quickly

Preparation for Treatment

• See that the patient is in a comfortable position
• Have the room warm with no drafts
• Protect pillow and bed with plastic
• Assemble equipment

Treatment

• Place compress in cold water and wring out just enough so it does not drip
• Apply and press firmly; if patient is sitting up while receiving treatment, compress must be long enough to be wrapped around head so it will stay in place, otherwise just across patient's forehead is adequate
• Renew frequency, every 1-5 minutes; have basin right beside the patient.

Completion of Treatment

• Remove compress and dry skin thoroughly
• Make sure patient's hair is dry.