Small compresses may be applied to any part of the body.
They reduce ulcers and slight inflammations; they dissolve coagulation
in cases of rheumatism or gout, even of long standing.
A medium sized piece of linen folded six to eight times, is useful in
case of toothache or earache. The compress must be covered with a
woollen cloth and fastened as securely as possible. Dissolving
compresses must be covered more thickly than cooling ones.
Special compresses are sometimes needed on the head, on the heart and
around the neck to prevent congestions. They are covered only slightly,
and like all cooling compresses, are changed as soon as they become hot.