Poultice

A poultice or cataplasm, also called a fomentation, is a soft moist mass, often heated and medicated, that is applied to the skin to reduce inflammation, soothe pain, promote healing, or otherwise treat wounds or ailments. Soft materials like cereals serve as a base, to which agents intended to affect the body, transdermally, may be added. The preparation is usually spread on cloth, which is then applied to the body-part to be treated. The cloth is used to keep the preparation in place, or additional bandaging to hold the poultice may be employed. Direct topical application (without cloths) is also used.

The term "poultice" may also refer to a porous solid, filled with a solvent, and used to remove stains from porous stone such as marble or granite.

Etymology

The term poultice comes from the Latin puls or pultēs, meaning "porridge" or "thick pap," through Middle English pultes. This reflects the traditional preparation of poultices as soft, moist masses resembling porridge.

Ancient Period

Poultices have been documented in many ancient medical traditions, including Egypt, Mesopotamia, India, Greece, and Rome. They were usually made from plants, animal products, or minerals, and applied directly to the skin to reduce pain, inflammation, or infection.

Medieval to Early Modern Period

During the Middle Ages and Renaissance, poultices made from flour, linseed, mustard, bran, herbs, or bread were widely used in Europe. They were often applied hot to "draw out" infection, relieve swelling, or soften abscesses.