What topical treatment can be used for mumps to reduce swelling and relieve pain?

Swelling and pain caused by mumps can be relieved through methods such as cold compresses, traditional Chinese medicine wet compresses, topical application of mashed cactus, aloe vera, or dandelion. However, topical treatments should be used in conjunction with standard medical therapy to avoid delaying proper treatment. If swelling continues to worsen, is accompanied by high fever, or complications arise, prompt medical attention is recommended.

1. Cold compress: During the early stage of illness, wrap an ice pack in a towel and apply it to the swollen area for 15–20 minutes, 3–4 times daily. This constricts blood vessels, reduces congestion, and helps alleviate swelling and pain. Avoid using heat, which may exacerbate inflammation and promote its spread.

2. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) wet compress: Boil honeysuckle, forsythia, and dandelion, then filter the liquid. Soak a piece of gauze in the solution and apply it to the affected area for 20 minutes, twice daily. These herbs have heat-clearing and anti-swelling properties that can help reduce inflammatory responses.

3. Topical cactus application: Remove the spines and skin from fresh cactus, mash the flesh, and apply it directly to the swollen area. Secure with gauze and change once daily. Cactus has heat-clearing, detoxifying, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic effects that help relieve local discomfort.

4. Topical aloe vera application: Take fresh aloe vera leaves, remove the skin, extract the pulp, mash it, and apply to the swollen area 1–2 times daily. The anti-inflammatory components in aloe vera can help reduce redness and swelling and soothe pain.

5. Topical mashed dandelion: Wash fresh dandelion thoroughly, crush it, mix with a small amount of honey, and apply to the affected area. Replace once daily. Dandelion has heat-clearing, detoxifying, anti-swelling, and dispersing properties, making it suitable for early-stage mumps inflammation.

Keep the affected skin clean and dry during topical applications to prevent infection, especially if the skin is broken. Maintain a diet of liquids or semi-solid foods, and avoid acidic or spicy foods that may stimulate salivary secretion and aggravate symptoms. Ensure adequate rest and minimize chewing to support recovery from inflammation.