Abstract: An improved device for attaching thermal dressings—using essentially any type of source of heat or cold employs a novel adhesive that permits firm attachment of the dressing to essentially any portion of the human anatomy with no need for wrapping around the limb or other anatomical region. The adhesive is sufficiently weak that the dressing can be peeled from the skin—even in the presence of body hair—with no pain. The adhesive, a hypoallergenic hydrophilic gel, is thick and soft and adheres by molding itself to the skin surface, and into and around hair shafts. The material contains essentially no elastomers and does not grip hair or pull strongly on hairs when the dressing is removed. When the gel becomes dehydrated, it loses most, if not all, of its adhesive properties. The gel is sufficiently crosslinked so as to resist dissolution by additional water.