Do Heat Patches really work?
Thermal heat patches, due to their portability and immediate heating effect, have become a commonly used product for people in winter and those with cold bodies. However, their safety needs to be comprehensively evaluated based on material characteristics, mechanism of action, and usage scenarios. The following analysis is conducted from 3 aspects:
1.Material Characteristics and Heating Principle
Hot patches for pain is mainly composed of iron powder, activated carbon, inorganic salts, water, etc. When iron powder comes into contact with oxygen in the air, an oxidation reaction occurs, releasing heat. Combined with the adsorption property of activated carbon and the heat retention property of vermiculite, it can achieve continuous heat release. The heating temperature is set at 50°C as the standard point. The upward temperature range can be 50-75°C, and the downward temperature range can be 25-50°C.
2.Safety Risks: Low-temperature Scalding is the Core Hazard
- Improper use may also cause serious injuries:
Low-temperature scalding risk: If the human body is in contact with objects above 44°C for a long time, chronic scalding can occur. If it is directly applied to the skin or fixed in one position for a long time, it is prone to causing necrosis of the dermis. Therefore, it is best to apply the heating pad on clothes to avoid prolonged contact with the skin. If you want to apply it directly to the skin, please purchase a special heat therapy patches for skin application. The back adhesive and non-woven fabric are specially customized to control the temperature.
- High-risk groups are more likely to be injured:
The elderly, diabetic patients, due to their insensitive skin sensation, are unable to perceive heat;
Children, with delicate skin, have deeper injuries after scalding;
Those in a sleep or anesthesia state lose temperature awareness.
3.Mechanism of Action and Applicable Scenarios
Core function: Through the heat effect, body warmer patch promotes local blood vessel dilation, accelerates blood circulation, relieves muscle stiffness and pain. It is applicable to:
- Daily warmth preservation: In cold environments, place it on the abdomen, the soles of the feet ("Cold begins at the feet") or the lower back.
- Pain management: For conditions such as lumbar muscle strain, arthritis, and dysmenorrhea (apply pressure to Guan Yuan acupoint or San Yin Jiao acupoint);
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Assistance: For individuals with "kidney deficiency" or "stomach deficiency" constitutions, combined with acupoint application (requires professional guidance)
4.Forbidden scenarios ❌
The following groups of people should not use the self heating patch:
(1) People with damaged skin, diabetes-related nerve damage, or cancer patients should avoid using it;
(2) Do not use it when sleeping, on an electric blanket, or near open flames.
(3) Pregnant women should avoid applying it on their abdomen and on sensitive areas of children (such as the inner sides of joints).