What is the purpose of using a terry cloth with hot packs?

Using a terry cloth with hot packs primarily serves to protect the skin from burns. When applying heat therapy, it is crucial to ensure that the heat is distributed evenly and that direct contact with the hot surface is avoided, as this can lead to skin irritation or burns. The terry cloth acts as a barrier, allowing for safe heat transfer while helping to maintain a comfortable and therapeutic temperature against the skin.

Additionally, the texture of terry cloth can absorb some moisture, which may also help with sweat management during heat application, further protecting the skin. The other options, such as increasing the temperature of the pack or cooling it down faster, do not accurately reflect the primary function of the terry cloth in this context. Similarly, making the pack heavier is not a goal of using a terry cloth and does not contribute to its role in safe heat application.