The use of mustard plasters is an excellent auxiliary method of combating cough, which is a symptom of a cold. Externally, they are presented in the form of sachets or sheets that are attached to the skin with an adhesive layer. Nowadays, mustard plasters are also being sold on the pharmaceutical market especially for children. To avoid negative consequences, parents should have information on how to use them, and also to know under what diseases and conditions they are strictly contraindicated.
The principle of exposure to the body
Mustard plasters have antispasmodic, analgesic and vasodilating properties. In addition, against the background of their use, inflammatory processes are stopped in a short time, so they have a wide list of indications.
The active components are glycosides. They contribute to irritation of the skin and penetrate into the bloodstream. This process literally forces the body to activate its defenses. As a result, the work of phagocytes improves, the task of which is the destruction of pathogens.
In addition, both adult and children's mustard plasters contain a large amount of vitamins, enzymes, minerals and essential oils. These components have a positive effect on health.
During the use of mustard plasters, a pronounced burning sensation appears. Due to this, blood in large quantities enters the lungs. As a result, the patient's condition improves significantly.
Indications
Mustard plasters are a universal remedy. They have a powerful anti-inflammatory effect, due to which they can be used for various diseases.
Indications for use of children's mustard plasters:
- Dry cough.
- Pneumonia.
- Bronchitis.
- Angina.
- Laryngotracheitis.
- Neuralgia.
- Headache.
- Joint pathology.
- Pain in the muscles.
- Myositis.
In addition, mustard plasters significantly accelerate the process of tissue repair after getting bruises. They contribute to the disappearance of edema and the resorption of the hematoma.
Kinds
Currently, in pharmacies you can buy various forms of mustard plasters. As a rule, parents choose the ones that, in their opinion, are the easiest to use.
Types of mustard plaster:
- Patches. The basis is thick paper. A layer of mustard is applied to it. The size of one patch is 12.5 x 8 cm. As a rule, black mustard acts as the active ingredient.
- Paper bags. They are divided into 4 cells. During use, mustard is evenly distributed over them, which allows you to effectively warm up the required area.
- Waterproof bags made of fabric. They are filled not only with mustard, but also with all kinds of healing impurities (flax, ginseng, red pepper, fir or eucalyptus oil).
According to reviews, different types of mustard plasters have identical instructions for use. In addition, their cost is also almost the same.
At what age can mustard plasters be given to children?
Doctors do not recommend treatment using these medical devices in babies under 2 years old. For children under the age of 6, putting mustard plasters is permissible, but only subject to increased security measures. For example, between the skin and the active component, you can lay a cotton cloth or lubricate the skin with olive oil. These are options for the gentle exposure of mustard plasters. They will not harm the body, but will really help cure cough and other unpleasant symptoms in various diseases.
Procedure Algorithm
To achieve the maximum therapeutic effect, it is necessary to properly prepare and conduct a session.
How to put mustard plasters for children with cough and other unpleasant symptoms?
- Pick up the product. If it is presented in the form of a sachet, it is necessary to shake it to evenly distribute the active component.
- Warm water. It should be hot, but not scorching. Place a paper bag in water for 10 seconds. Before use of plasters preparation is not required.
- Lubricate the skin of the child in the right areas with olive oil. This recommendation can be ignored if the child is over 6-7 years old. It is important to cleanse the skin first; mustard plasters do not put on a sweaty or dirty cover.
- Pick up a bag (water should not drain from it) and put on the necessary part of the body. Fix the mustard with a bandage. Wrap a baby with a warm blanket from above. Mustard in the form of a patch is considered more convenient to use. This is due to the fact that it is easily fixed on the skin.
- After a few minutes, remove the mustard. Wipe the baby's skin with a cotton cloth dampened in water. Dry the covers with a towel.
Immediately after the procedure, the child should remain in bed for at least half an hour. Going out on this day is undesirable. In this regard, doctors recommend the use of mustard plasters in the evening, that is, before bedtime.
If the child has sensitive skin (at any age), treatment is permissible. But in this case, the product is recommended to be soaked not in water, but in olive or any other vegetable oil. This avoids burns.
With regards to how to put mustard plasters when coughing for children whose age is less than 6 years. After water procedures, the skin of the child in the desired area must be lubricated with olive oil. You can use a piece of cotton fabric as an additional layer. Further, all actions must be carried out according to the classical algorithm.
Regarding how much to keep baby mustard plasters. The duration of the procedure depends on the age of the child and the degree of sensitivity of his skin. Children from 2 years old mustard mustard only 3 minutes. The treatment time for older kids can be increased. The maximum duration of the procedure is 15 minutes. If severe redness and severe burning occur, the session must be completed. The affected area of the skin immediately after the procedure must be treated with any vegetable oil.
Where to put?
According to the instructions, when coughing, mustard plasters should not be placed on the spine and on the heart area. Initially, the product must be fixed on the chest in an area just below the collarbone. Then mustard plasters should be placed on the ribs and sternum.
After this, it is necessary to turn the child over and lay the products under the shoulder blades. Since mustard plasters cannot be placed on the spine, they must be placed on either side of it.
Additionally, children's mustard plasters can be glued to the child on the feet or calves. But then you need to wear warm socks. In the latter, you can simply pour 1-2 tsp. mustard powder. After such therapy, blood circulation is significantly improved, inflammatory processes are stopped, and sputum liquefies faster.
Contraindications
As mentioned above, it is not recommended to put mustard plasters on children whose age is less than 2 years. In addition, if after 3 days the positive dynamics will not be noticeable, treatment must be completed and consult a doctor.
Other contraindications:
- Mustard plasters are unacceptable for children if they have an elevated body temperature. This can lead to irreparable consequences.
- Obstructive bronchitis.
- Tuberculosis.
- Bronchial asthma.
- Oncological diseases.
- ARI.
- Violation of the integrity of the skin in the alleged area of application of mustard plasters.
- Pathologies of a dermatological nature.
It is important to know that mustard is a potential allergen. If signs of an adverse reaction occur, treatment should also be completed.
Mustard "Mustard"
These are products designed specifically for children. According to reviews, parents most often use mustard packages "Mustard". This is due to their undeniable advantages:
- They warm the tissues, not burn them. Sachets are foiled. An additional layer and provides comfortable heating.
- The bags are made of a membrane material that does not cause discomfort during contact with the skin.
In addition, in each package, the child can find a coloring book (princess or pirate).
According to the instructions, mustard for coughing should be set as follows:
- Shake and soak the bag in hot water.
- Fix it on the skin.
- Wrap the baby in a warm blanket.
- After 3-5 minutes, even in the absence of complaints, bend the edge of the mustard and assess the condition of the skin. With hyperemia or severe redness, the product must be removed.
- Wipe the skin with a damp cloth and pat it dry with a dry towel. Wrap the baby in a blanket again.
Mustard must not be put more often than 1 time per day.
10 bags are placed in one package. The price of mustard plasters is, on average, 150 rubles.
What else do you need to know?
Famous pediatrician E.O. Komarovsky believes that the use of these medical devices is permissible. But parents should focus on the following points:
- If the pathology is very serious, mustard plasters cannot cure it.
- Individual intolerance to the active component is extremely common.
- Mustard fumes irritate the mucous membranes. If the child has a tendency to allergies, it is impossible to carry out procedures at home.
- It is important to make sure before using mustard plasters that their shelf life has not expired.
In addition, Dr. Komarovsky recommends abandoning treatment if the products bring pronounced discomfort to the child. The doctor believes that the main thing during the fight against SARS is to drink plenty of fluids and often take walks in the fresh air.
Storage conditions
The instructions to all mustard plasters indicate that they must be in a dry place where direct sunlight does not penetrate. However, doctors advise storing these products in the warmest area of the refrigerator - on the bottom door. In this case, the active component will retain its healing properties as much as possible.
Finally
The use of mustard plasters is a good supporting way to combat the cough that accompanies ARVI. In addition, these products contribute to the disappearance of other unpleasant symptoms. Mustard plasters are available in the form of sachets and plasters. The first must be fixed on the skin with a bandage. Adhesives do not require this. During the procedure, it is important to remember that putting mustard plasters on the spine and heart region is unacceptable.