Article · Wikipedia archive · Last revised Jul 7, 2026

Warm compress

A warm compress is a method of applying heat to the body. 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.

Last revised
Jul 7, 2026
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Warm compress
Microwavable warm compresses used for treatment of different eyelid diseases.

A warm compress is a method of applying heat to the body.1 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.2

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.2

warm compress demonstrated with a warm, wet towel
warm compress demonstrated with a warm, wet towel source ↗

For eye problems

Warm compresses are commonly used for the treatment of certain ocular conditions such as: 1

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.4

References

References

  1. "Warm Compresses for Eye Problems - Topic Overview". WebMD. Retrieved 15 October 2016.
  2. Jones, Yian Jin; Georgesuc, Dan; McCann, John D.; Anderson, Richard L. (2010). "Microwave Warm Compress Burns". Ophthalmic Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery. 26 (3): 219. doi:10.1097/iop.0b013e3181c063b0. ISSN 0740-9303. PMID 20489556.
  3. Canter, Julie. "What Is Meibomian Gland Dysfunction?". Webmd.com. Retrieved 24 February 2022.
  4. Leeper-Woodford, Sandra; Adkinson, Linda (2015). "Chapter 3: Musculoskeletal System". Lippincott Illustrated Reviews: Integrated Systems. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins. ISBN 978-1451190960.