Do local cold or hot compresses help relieve parotid gland swelling and pain? Which is more recommended?

Are local cold or hot compresses effective for relieving parotid gland swelling and pain? Which method is more recommended?

Hey, getting mumps is really uncomfortable. Your face swells up like a bun, and it's painful and distended. Regarding cold or hot compresses, both methods can be useful, but the key is to use them at the right time. Using them incorrectly might even worsen the condition.

You can simply remember one principle: Use cold compresses during the acute phase, and hot compresses during the recovery phase.

Acute Phase (First 1-2 days of swelling and pain): Cold Compress Recommended

You can think of parotid gland inflammation like spraining your ankle; at first, it's red, swollen, and painful, and at this point, ice packs are needed to 'settle things down'.

• Why?
  • Pain Relief: Low temperatures can slightly numb nerve endings, making you feel less pain.
  • Swelling Reduction: It can cause local capillaries to constrict, reducing fluid exudation and controlling further swelling and inflammation.
• How to do it?
  • Wrap an ice pack (or an ice pop, or a bag of milk from the fridge works too) in a dry towel and apply it to the most swollen and painful area.
  • Never apply ice directly to the skin, as it can cause frostbite.
  • Apply for 15-20 minutes each time, then remove and rest for a while. You can repeat this 3-4 times a day.

Recovery Phase (After the peak of swelling and pain, approximately 2-3 days later): Hot Compress Can Be Considered

When the most uncomfortable stage has passed, and the swelling begins to subside slowly, with pain also lessening, you can then switch to hot compresses to 'finish up'.

• Why?
  • Promote Circulation and Reduce Stasis: Hot compresses can promote local blood circulation, helping the body to absorb and dissipate residual inflammation and swelling more quickly.
• How to do it?
  • Use a warm, damp towel (wrung out, not dripping) and apply it to the swollen area.
  • Pay attention to the temperature; it should feel comfortably warm, not too hot, to avoid scalding the skin.
  • Each application should also be 15-20 minutes, 2-3 times a day.

Summary and Final Recommendation

Overall, the more recommended approach is to follow the 'cold first, then hot' sequence.

1. Just started, swollen and painful → Don't hesitate, use a cold compress.
2. Swelling and pain relieved, but still a bit swollen → Switch to a hot compress to help reduce swelling.

If you're unsure which stage you're in, or if the pain is severe throughout the process, prioritize cold compresses. This is because applying heat during the acute inflammatory phase might 'add fuel to the fire,' worsening swelling and pain.

Very Important Reminder!

• This is only an auxiliary measure, not a cure! Mumps is a viral infection, and cold/hot compresses only help alleviate the 'surface' issues; they do not kill the virus.
• You must see a doctor! Let a doctor diagnose and provide a proper treatment plan. Mumps can cause complications (such as meningitis, orchitis, etc.), so you absolutely cannot take it lightly.
• During illness, get plenty of rest, drink lots of water, and eat soft, easy-to-swallow foods (like porridge, soft noodles), as opening your mouth and chewing will be very uncomfortable due to cheek pain.

Hope this explanation helps you, and wish you a speedy recovery!