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 for agents intended to affect the body transdermally. The preparation is usually spread on cloth, which is then applied to the area being treated. The cloth is used to keep the preparation in place, or additional bandaging to hold the poultice may be employed. Direct topical application is also used.