{{Short description|Method of applying heat to the body}} {{Infobox medical intervention | name = Warm compress | image = Warm compress.jpg | caption = Microwavable warm compresses used for treatment of different eyelid diseases. | alt = | pronounce = | synonyms = | ICD10 = | ICD9 = | ICD9unlinked = | MeshID = | LOINC = | other_codes = | MedlinePlus = | eMedicine = }} A '''warm compress''' is a method of applying heat to the body.<ref name="Web2016">{{cite web|url=http://www.webmd.com/eye-health/tc/warm-compresses-for-eye-problems-topic-overview|title=Warm Compresses for Eye Problems - Topic Overview|website=WebMD|accessdate=15 October 2016}}</ref> Heating sources can include warm water, microwaveable pads, wheat packs and electrical or chemical pads. Some unorthodox methods can include warmed potatoes, uncooked rice, and hard-boiled eggs. The most common warm compress is a warm, wet washcloth.<ref name=":0">{{Cite journal|last=Jones|first=Yian Jin|last2=Georgesuc|first2=Dan|last3=McCann|first3=John D.|last4=Anderson|first4=Richard L.|date=2010|title=Microwave Warm Compress Burns|journal=Ophthalmic Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery|language=en|volume=26|issue=3|pages=219|doi=10.1097/iop.0b013e3181c063b0|pmid=20489556|issn=0740-9303}}</ref>
== Uses == Warm compresses are a common non-pharmacological therapy used in the treatment of things such as sports injuries, dental pain, post-operative wound healing, and ophthalmic conditions. They are believed to improve blood flow, increase oxygenation in tissues and help manage inflammation.<ref name=":0" /> alt=warm compress demonstrated with a warm, wet towel|thumb|warm compress demonstrated with a warm, wet towel
=== For eye problems === Warm compresses are commonly used for the treatment of certain ocular conditions such as: <ref name="Web2016" /> * dry eyes * pinkeye (conjunctivitis) * stye or chalazion * swollen eyelids (blepharitis) * meibomian gland dysfunction<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/meibomian-gland-dysfunction|title=What Is Meibomian Gland Dysfunction?|first=Julie|last=Canter|website=Webmd.com|access-date=24 February 2022}}</ref> * muscle spasms or pain
=== For injury to muscle or joint === For both muscle and joint injuries, it is common to alternate both cold and warm compresses to manage inflammation. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and corticosteroids may also be used in conjunction.<ref>{{Cite book|title=Lippincott Illustrated Reviews: Integrated Systems|last=Leeper-Woodford|first=Sandra|last2=Adkinson|first2=Linda|publisher=Lippincott Williams and Wilkins|year=2015|isbn=978-1451190960|location=Philadelphia, PA|chapter=Chapter 3: Musculoskeletal System}}</ref>
==References== {{Reflist}}
Category:Medical treatments