Fomentations are given to inflamed parts, around inflamed wounds – to increase the local blood supply and promote healing. Very often fomentation work wonders in resolving cellulites & preventing abscess formations.

Dry Fomentations:

Dry fomentations are given with a hot water bag, and are ideal for sprains and contusions

-          fill the hot water bag with hot water (heated almost to boiling point = 90°  95° c) taking care to protect your hands while pouring.

-          Press out all the air and close the mouth of the bag tightly. Dry the bag from outside.

-          Invert the bag and confirm that there is no leakage.

-          Wrap it in a towel & then hold against the painful, sprained or inflamed part. If it is too hot, wrap it in one more towel.

-          Do not keep it n continuous touch for long period, especially when it is very hot. Take particular care in drowsy, semiconscious or unconscious patients where a prolonged contact with too hot a bag can cause burns.

Wet fomentations:

Wet fomentations are ideal for raw wounds, incised abscesses.

-          Hold a Gamjee pad or a sponge, between two spongeholding forceps.

-          Dip it in hot water, wrung it to take out excess water, and apply the hot sponge to the inflamed area – only momentarily and repeatedly

-          When it becomes cold, dip it again in hot water, and repeat.