Abstract
Hot compress application, using steamed towels at 60℃, was performed for 10 min on the backs of 21 healthy women (age range, 19-24 years) in a supine position. The same subjects were investigated as both the experimental group (hot compress used) and control group (hot compress not used), and skin surface temperature and skin blood flow at eight sites on the upper body were measured and compared between before and after the application. The site at which the fastest and greatest increase in skin temperature was observed outside the application site was the middle finger, with an increase of 1.2℃ during 10 min of application and 1.7℃ at 30 min after the end of the application. Skin blood flow in the middle finger increased 1.5-fold during application and 1.3-fold at 30 min after the end of the application. Skin surface temperatures on the back, back of the neck, anterior chest, palm, back of the hand, and middle finger of the right hand during and after the application were significantly higher in the experimental group than in controls, but no significant intergroup differences were observed for skin surface temperatures on the upper arm and forearm. Indications and timing of implementation of 10-min application of hot compresses at 60℃ to the back in a supine position must be determined based on the finding that peripheral skin surface temperatures rise rapidly, and that skin temperature increases ≥1℃ are sustained even at 30 min after ending the application.
