1.Introduction

2.Cause

3.Safe Suggestions

4.Conclusion

Introduction

Pain in the stomach is something that almost everybody experiences at one or another and the usual practice is to use heat to minimize the pain. Hot water bottles being mobile and quite convenient to use have emerged as the most useful tool for applying heat. However, the use of hot water bottles does not alway promote comfort and at times leads to skin complications including rash. This blog will aim at discussing why hot water bottles can lead to hot water bottle rashes when used to soothe stomach aches, and the right ways through which one could use hot water bottles.

Cause

There are several reasons, some of them are indigestion, gastritis and stomach ulcers all are leading to stomach pain. It is assumed that warm compress affect the blood flow in the given area and reduce tone and pain of muscles. Nonetheless, using hot water bottles inappropriately may hurt the skin and lead to hot water bottle rashes.

Firstly, such rashes can be attributed to high temperatures of the hot water bottle. Temperature sensitivity is especially high in the skin; for instance, the thickness of the abdominal skin is considered less than in other parts of the body, which makes it more vulnerable to thermo injury. However if the water used to warm the hot water bottle is too hot even with a cloth cover, if heat is continued to be applied to any part of the body, the skin turns red and may blister.

Secondly, the individual differences are also responsible for the occurrence of rashes. Some individuals may have sensitive skin to heat; thus, even when using hot water bottle at moderated temperature rashes may occur. Moreover, hot water bottles are not suitable for people having sensitive skin.

Safe Suggestions

To prevent hot water bottle rashes when applying heat to the stomach, here are some suggestions for the safe use of hot water bottles:

1.Control the water temperature: In the case of the hot water bottle it is important to make sure that the temperature of the water is right and not excessively high. On average, hot water should not be less than 140-158°F （60℃-70℃）to avoid low-temperature burns.

2.Use a hot water bottle cover: While using hot water bottle, it should be covered by a towel or other soft cloth to minimize the chances of touching the hot surface.

3.Avoid prolonged warm compress: Avoid retaining the hot water bottle at the same area of the body for quite a long period. Its use is unlikely to harm a child, but ideally, it should be used not longer than 20 minutes SUCCESSIVELY, and the procedure should be repeated 3-4 times a day.

4.Observe skin reactions: While in the process of using the hot water bottle, pay close attention to how the skin of your body will react to it. In case of redness, painful or any uncomfortable sensations – it is necessary to stop using, and consult with a doctor.

5.Choose the right warm compress tool: Persons with sensitive skin may select a heated blanket or pick a warm baby with good temp regulation.

6.Consider other methods to relieve stomach pain: If heat application is uncomfortable to the skin, there should be other ways of managing stomach aches such as chewing an antacid, altering meals or speaking to a health care provider.

Conclusion

Hot water bottles mean a convenient tool for warming and relieving the pain, yet skin issues should be noticeable so as not to harm oneself. To help prevent hot water bottle rash due to warm compress to the stomach, one need to regulate the amount of water heated, use a cloth cover and limit the time exposed to the heat. So, when using the hot water bottle correctly it is possible to have warmth and at the same time care about our skin’s health. When it comes to selecting heat application as a technique to help ease out abdominal soreness then the next step should be exercised closely to avoid incurring more harm than good.