Gel compress for cold and hot application To prevent sports injuries, the reusable gel compress from Dermaplast can be used both before and after sports. Cold application relieves pain locally and helps reduce swelling in acute inflammation of joints and muscles, blunt injuries, bruises, insect bites and toothaches. Warmth is used to promote local blood circulation and to relieve tension in cases of muscle soreness, back pain, and menstrual cramps. Application: Always place a cloth between the compress and the skin. Do not apply for longer than 20 minutes. Cold application: Place in the freezer for approximately 2 hours. For warm application: Place in water up to 80 degrees Celsius for approximately 4 minutes. Alternatively, the compress can be microwaved for 2 minutes at 600 watts.