If you are on the lookout for products to relieve period pain, you must have come across heating patches and pads. Heat therapy has been proven to work well with period pain. When heat is applied, the muscles of the uterus relax. This helps blood to flow, and reduces the pain. Placing heat patches and pads on your lower abdomen can especially help in easing the pain. However, if you are wondering are heating patches and pads are safe to use for period pain, it is important to note that their safety depends on the way they are used. Read on to learn how heat acts on period pain, and the correct way to use heating patches and pads.

What is a heating patch and pad?

Heating pads are devices, as well as adhesive patches, that use temperature to relieve pain in certain body parts. These may be electric, chemical or microwaveable, and are commonly used as aids for muscle discomfort, sore joints and period pain-related instances. “When the heat is applied it expands and relaxes the muscles and blood vessels thereby minimizing the pain,” says obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr Sandhya Rani.

How does a heating patch work for period pain?

Heat patches and pads can boost the blood circulation to the abdominal region easing contractions of the uterine muscles which bring about pain during menstruation, explains Dr Rani. An additional advantage of heat is that it helps to reduce signals from the pain nerves to the brain, thus creating a calming effect. A study published in Scientific Reports, observed the impact of heating pads on period pain. The study concluded that heat therapy can help period pain without any other medication as well.

How to use a heating patch or pad for period pain?

To use a heating patch or pad for period pain, place it on your lower abdomen or lower back, where the cramps are most intense, instructs Dr Rani. Use the pad for 20-30 minutes and repeat every few hours as needed. Ensure you follow the manufacturer's instructions for safe use. Avoid using heating pads with excessively high temperature.

Heating patches and pads can help with period pain but be careful not to sleep with them on. Image courtesy: Adobe Stock

Are heating patches and pads safe to use?

Heating patches and pads can be helpful for reducing pain, period pain, backache or joint pain. However, there they should be used, following the correct instructions.

1. Check side effects

While using an adhesive heating patch, it is important to observe any stinging or burning feeling at the place where the pad is stuck. If any of these side effects are observed, it is important to get rid of the patch. A study published in Cureus, states that overexposure of heat on a part of the skin, may lead to rashes.

2. Do not sleep with the patch on

It is also very important to not sleep while wearing the patch. There must not be any sort of prolonged pressure on the patch. Therefore, before you go to bed at night, a heating patch must be removed. Leaving a heating patch for too long can cause minor burns.

3. Check for skin sensitivity

It is important to avoid applying the patch directly on broken, irritated, or sunburned skin. If you have sensitive skin, it is important to do a patch test on a small area of your forearm before applying it to a larger area.

4. Check the area

It is important to note that a heating patch should not be applied on to the same area every time. This can lead to minor burns. It is important to change where you stick the adhesive pad. If you are using an electrical heating pad, there are also some precautions that one should keep in mind:

5. Wrap it

Do not place the heating pad or even a heated gel pack directly on your skin. You can consider wrapping it in a towel, or a cotton cloth, before applying it to the skin. This will help avoid burns.

6. Increase heat gradually

No matter the level of your pain, let the pad heat gradually. You can adjust the heat at the lowest level and then increase it as you go along. This helps to prevent something known as the Toasted Skin Syndrome. This is caused due to prolonged exposure to heat sources. This can damage the superficial blood vessels, cells and fibres of the skin, and can also lead to discolouration, states this study, published in Cureus.

7. Check the pad

If the cord or the pad is cracked or broken from anywhere, do not use it. This can lead to an electrical shock and must be avoided.

Heat from heating patches and pads help to relax the muscles in the uterus, and relieve pain. Image courtesy: Adobe Stock

What to remember while choosing a heating patch or pad?

When choosing a heating patch or pad, consider its size, heat options and material type. It should have adjustable temperatures for better control and fit comfortably on an affected part. Also, ensure that features such as auto-off, in electrical heating patches, are included for safety purposes against overheating. The ingredients on heating patches should be natural as well as non-toxic. It should also be skin-friendly. Here's your guide on how to choose a good heating patch and pad.

Electrical vs adhesive pads: Which ones are better?

Both electrical and adhesive pads have their benefits. Electrical heating pads offer consistent, adjustable heat, which is great for use at home. However, adhesive pads are readily available for you to put on under your clothing hence they can be worn quietly while walking around or sitting in an office. Which one depends entirely upon personal preferences and lifestyle requirements.

Summary

While heating patches and pads for a good and natural way to relieve period pain, they should be worn by following the right instructions. If heating patches or pads are worn irresponsibly, it can cause minor burns and skin rashes. It is also important to note that they should be worn for the right amount of time, and one should not sleep with the patch or pad on.

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