Paraffin Wax Bath: Paraffin Wax Bath is an automatic heating unit that holds low melting wax at a constant temperature ready for use (40°c-44°c). It mixes wax and liquid paraffin in the proportion of 7:1. Paraffin wax bath is a common heat therapy approach for people with arthritis or other rheumatic diseases. The paraffin wax bath heat helps enhance blood flow and relaxes the muscles, which can help relieve symptoms of arthritis, osteoarthritis, and fibromyalgia.
Paraffin wax bath can also soften hardened skin caused by scleroderma, allowing for increased movement and mobility, especially on the skin covering the hands. A soothing, softening paraffin wax bath heat therapy for healthier looking skin. A combination of paraffin wax and jojoba, coconut and essential oils are especially beneficial for nourishing dry skin.
Methods of Paraffin Wax Bath
There are mainly three methods of application of paraffin wax therapy, and I give the treatment for about 10 to 20 minutes.
In the Dipping method, it to treat the body part is directly immersed into the container of paraffin wax for 2–3 seconds and taken out. Then again 2—3 seconds, the part is again immersed to make another layer of paraffin wax. I repeat this process 5–10 times until the 3 mm layer formed. Then I wrapped around by a plastic sheet and towel. This process is preferable for treating distal parts of the body.
- Dipping method (10-20 minutes)
- Brush method–Large body part e.g.-Ankle (15-20 minutes)
- Continuous immersion method (15-20 minutes).
Indication of Paraffin Wax Bath
I noted earlier, paraffin for edema, vascular disorders, and especially for post-traumatic cases. I also use it for arthritis, osteoarthritis, and other articular and peri-articular diseases when followed by localized swelling and pain.
- Rheumatoid arthritis of hands and feet
- Osteoarthritis
- Post-traumatic / fracture stiffness.
- Trigger finger pain and muscle spasm.
- Pain and muscle spasms
- Oedema and inflammation.
- Adhesion and scar.
Contra-indication of Paraffin Wax Bath
Wax therapy is contraindicated in the presence of varicose abnormalities, phlebitis, and when there is a risk of releasing emboli or thrombi. I should not use paraffin in extensive or general applications where there are changes in sensation.
- Anesthetic area
- Open wound
- Unreliable patient
- Impaired thermal sensation
- Scar tissue
- Infectious area
- Circulatory dysfunction
- Analgesic drug
- Tuberculosis
- Deep x-ray therapy.
Advantage of Paraffin Wax Bath
Therapeutically paraffin wax can help relieve pain that people have in their hands. It can relieve hand issues such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis with this therapy. This is because the wax serves as heat therapy and can help increase blood flow, relax muscles, and ease joint stiffness. It can also reduce muscle spasms and inflammation with the use of a paraffin wax bath.
- It can treat two or three patients at a time.
- May apply which a patient has poor heat tolerance.
- Use for dry scaly skin after removal of Plaster of Paris following fracture
- Wax is a self-insulating. After removal of wax, the part cools quickly.
- After removal of wax, the part cools quickly.
- It can be carried to the house and may be useful for chronic sufferers.
Disadvantage of Paraffin Wax Bath
We test paraffin wax in a lab to ensure that it is safe and hygienic to use on the body. It’s natural and possesses a low melting point, which implies that it can easily apply it to the skin at a low temperature not to cause burns or blisters. However, if you have sensitive skin, paraffin wax may induce a heat rash. Heat rash rises in small red bumps on the skin that will be itchy.
- Painful application for the patient.
- Skin irritation may occur.
- Maintenance is difficult.
- Sediment occurs at the bottom of the tank.
- Contamination of oil by atmospheric dust may occur.
- Water tends to collect at the bottom of the bath.