Compress is a medical dressing that contains a special medication. It can have an anti-inflammatory or analgesic effect and significantly improves the prognosis for otitis media.
Despite the simplicity of this procedure, not all are able to correctly execute it and know the correct algorithm.
How the procedure is useful
Before starting the procedure, you should always consult a doctor. There are earaches in which compresses are strictly forbidden.
How the
works The ear compresses usually include anti-inflammatory ingredients and cope with pain. Therefore, their therapeutic effect is as follows:
- The warming effect ensures the normalization of blood circulation and stimulation of the recovery processes in the pathological focus.
- When carrying out antibacterial treatment, warming compresses provide more intense saturation of tissues with active substances. In addition, they significantly accelerate the elimination of toxic substances.
- Thanks to the heat effect, pain is reduced, which makes discomfort less pronounced.
Indications
Compresses are usually done in such situations:
- mean catarrhal otitis;
- External Otitis.
How to apply the compress
Features of the use of compresses directly depend on the variety of this procedure. All of them are divided into 2 main categories - wet and dry.
Wet
When this procedure is performed, a gauze is moistened in the medicinal composition heated to 40 degrees. After that, it is covered with a layer of cotton wool. Before attaching the compress, it should be covered with a layer of polyethylene film, and then secured with a bandage.
However, at first the skin in the ear area must be treated with cream or petroleum jelly. Thanks to this, it is possible to protect it from burns and irritation.
How to apply a moist compress to the ear
Compresses often use a dimexide solution. This substance has an antimicrobial effect and copes well with inflammation. Thanks to its use, it is possible to reduce the pain syndrome. To strengthen the action of this drug, it is added literally a few drops of novocaine.
However, before the start of the procedure, it is necessary to make a sample for sensitivity to dimexide. For this purpose, it is recommended to moisten gauze in solution and attach to the forearm for a couple of hours. If the itch or redness appears after the procedure, it is better to refuse the use of the solution.
Cold moist compresses are usually used for bruises or bruising, while warming should be done with inflammation in the ears. In this purulent disease is a categorical contraindication to the procedure.
Dry
This compress is used in the form of a cotton-gauze bandage. To perform the procedure, it is necessary to take several layers of cotton wool and wrap it with gauze. To attach the bandage obtained, a bandage should be used.
Usually it is applied so that the shell of the ear remains open. Therefore, gauze should have a V-shape. For this you need to execute the corresponding section in it.
How to apply a compress on the ear video instruction:
Time for
The duration of the procedure is directly affected by the composition of the compress. Leave for the entire night is allowed only a dry bandage that does not bring heat outside, but helps stop cooling the body and keep it warm.
The average duration of exposure should be as follows:
- alcohol compress applied for 3-4 hours;
- oil compress is allowed to hold for much longer - 8 hours, as the oil keeps the heat well;
- compresses with herbs usually hold a maximum of 1-2 hours;
- dressing with Dimexide can not be used for more than half an hour.
After the procedure, the skin needs to be wiped off with warm water or salicylic alcohol, after which it is wiped dry. Immediately after the end of the session, do not go out into the street or expose the ears to drafts.
Compresses should be done every day 1 time per day. Continue treatment until the complete relief of pain. If during the therapy there is a purulent process or other complications, this procedure will have to be abandoned.
Is it possible to put a child and how old
To make a baby compress, you should remember about such restrictions and rules:
- Camphor alcohol can not be used for children under 2 years. This is due to the toxic properties of the vapors of the substance.
- Before applying alcohol compresses, the skin should be treated with petroleum jelly, cream or vegetable oil. This is due to the high sensitivity of the skin of babies. Also for children use less concentrated means: vodka needs to be diluted twice or even three times.
- Young children are advised to do the procedure in a supine position on the side. In this case, the diseased ear should be located on top. If the child can already sit, he can make a compress in a sitting position.
- For isolation it is forbidden to use polyethylene - children can only use parchment.
- Before starting the procedure, always consult an otolaryngologist.
Do children need to put a compress on the ear? See in our video the answer of the doctor:
This is important!
To understand if it is possible to use compresses for the ears, you need to determine the causes of the problems. For this purpose it is necessary to address to the otolaryngologist.
Restrictions on the use of compresses are damaged skin - scratches, abrasions, cracks. It is not necessary to do the procedure with an increase in body temperature, since there is a risk of its increase.
Execution of compresses for the ears is considered a very effective way of treating many pathologies. It is very important to adhere strictly to the technique of the procedure. If it is violated, there is a risk of unpleasant consequences.