(Low-temperature burns) Don't hold a hot pack in your hand... Place it here for greater effectiveness.

◇Effective when placed near the abdomen or chest

It's recommended to place a hot pack near the abdomen or chest. This is because core body temperature, the temperature deep inside the body, is most affected by the temperatures of the head, chest, and abdomen. Placing a hot pack near the abdomen or chest increases core body temperature, effectively raising overall body temperature. The hands, which are often used to hold the pack, are the farthest parts of the body from the center, making it less effective at retaining core body temperature. While a drop in peripheral body temperature can only lead to frostbite, a core body temperature below 35°C (95°F) can lead to hypothermia, which can impair blood circulation and damage multiple organs. In severe cases, this can even lead to cardiac arrest and death. Furthermore, maintaining core body temperature can also prevent peripheral body temperature from dropping due to poor circulation.

◇Place it on top of your clothes and change its position frequently

However, hot packs should be placed on clothing, not on bare skin, as they can easily cause low-temperature burns. According to a survey by the Korea Consumer Agency, a total of 226 cases of harm caused by hot packs were reported between 2015 and 2017, with 197 cases (87.2%) being burns. It's safer to place them between clothing and outerwear, or between underwear and clothing. In particular, "stick-on hot packs" are a major cause of low-temperature burns. Low-temperature burns occur when the skin is exposed to relatively low temperatures (40-70 degrees Celsius) for a long time. While stick-on hot packs are relatively small, they can generate heat for more than 10 hours, reaching temperatures as high as 70 degrees Celsius. Therefore, leaving them on for a long time can cause redness, itchiness, blisters, and in severe cases, skin necrosis or ulcers.

 

Don't hold a hot pack in your hand... insert it here for greater effectiveness.

 

Also, hot packs should be applied to different areas frequently rather than left in one place for a long time. It's safer to avoid using them altogether, as you may not immediately feel the heat while sleeping. Some people sleep with hot packs under their blankets or on the soles of their feet. However, caution is advised, as this can lead to serious burns, as even minor early symptoms like itching can be missed. People with reduced skin sensitivity, such as infants, the elderly, and those with diabetes, should also avoid using hot packs. When purchasing hot packs, choose products with the KC mark and a safety confirmation report number.

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Low-temperature burns from hot packs are scary.

Move this way and that way

Would a hot pack be better?

Would a hand warmer be better?

I want to buy one...