Parrafin Wax Application

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 1.Paraffin Wax / Paraffin Bath

• Paraffin wax is a simple, convenient, reasonably efficient

method of applying conducted heat to the extremities.
• It is a combined immersion technique with
Paraffin wax + mineral oil for conductive heat gains.
• For therapeutic use:
– 7 units of wax ---------1unit mineral oil.
– The paraffin wax is then kept at low temperature and
remains warm for a longer time than water.

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• Heat exchange by conduction
• In the case of parraffin, it provides superficial heat with a depth
of 1 cm.

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 Characteristics of Paraffin Wax

1. Paraffin has a slow thermal conductivity

→ Slow heat diffusion (6 times lower than water).
Paraffine wax has a low melting point (55°).

When the oil is added, the paraffin will remain at a

temperature of 40° to 44°C.

This low specific heat will enhance the patient to tolerate

heat from the paraffine better than from water of the same
temperature.
better tolerance to heat for the patient.

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 Characteristics of Paraffin Wax

2.Self insulator: It gives moist heat :

there is a layer between the skin and the wax producing heat
and sweating which does not evaporate.

After removal the heated part cools quickly ( by evaporation).

3. It is analgesic: This insulating layer keeps the heat and is

effective in relief of pain.

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 Equipment used for paraffin wax applications
• Wax is placed in a parrafin bath:
– Small sizes for home use exist.
– 2 stainless steel containers + wooden or bakelite insulator +
heating wire.
• The water melts the wax. Thermometer reading should also be
taken. The wax has to be melted in advance and it takes 3 to 4
hours or heated constantly.

Paraffin +
petrolatum oil

Water at 72°C

Thermostat
at 44° C
Maximum
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 Operation of the Apparatus
• Normally, parrafin wax has a melting point of 55°C.

• Large bath have a capacity of 25 kg of paraffin.

• You will then add 5 liters of light petrolaneum oil to lower the
melting point and prevent burns.

• To melt the paraffin turn the switch on to heat the coil, the water
for 1 hour prior to treatment.

• Always check the temperature with thermometer before ttt.

• For busy clinics, the bath can be plugged in day & night to be
ready for use.
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 Care of the Paraffin Bath Apparatus

• The patient’s body part should be cleaned before ttt.

• Bath is to be cleaned regularly (every 6 months) while the paraffin

is liquid. Disconnect the unit from electrical outlet & dip the
parraffin out of the bath with a small pan in another container.

• Remove & clean the slats , remaining paraffin can be removed and
sediments removed with paper towels.

• Replace then the parrafin back in the bath and add new paraffin
as needed.

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 Advantages

1. 2 or 3 patients can be treated in the same time.

2. Useful for pt. with poor heat tolerance, dry scaly skins, after
Plaster of Paris removal.
3. Can be followed by therapeutic exercises.
4. Can be carried out at home.
5. Wax can mold around the bony contours of feet & hands.
6. Heat is applied evenly by conduction.

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 Disadvantages
1. Not sterile or not very desinfected
procedure.
2. Messy technique, floor should be
protected.
3. Sedimentation occurs in bottom of the
bath → should be regularly cleaned
(daily or every 2 days).
4. Contamination by air unless covered by
lid.
5. Water collects at bottom of bath.

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 Physiological effects and indications of paraffin
wax
•Circulatory effects.
• Effect on sensory nerves
• Effect on the skin.

Contra indication of paraffin wax

•Open wound.
•Allergic rash.
•Skin conditions.
•Defective arterial blood supply (including deep vein thrombosis and
varicose veins).
•Impaired skin sensation.

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 Techniques of Application
• Paraffin wax dip technique of application for few
times:-
• Finger of the hand and toes of the foot.
• The wrist and ankle must be in zero angles.
• Help the patient to dip the part you want to treat
it.
• When the wax covers the part you treated remove
the part from the wax bath.
• When the paraffin frozen, you must dip the part
again.
• Return dip’s the part for 6 to 12 times.
• Cover the part by plastic suit after the last sheath.
• Cover the part after that by clean sheath to
prevent it from cooling.
• Cover the apparatus by its cover.
• Leave the paraffin for at least 20 to30 minutes.

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 Techniques of Application
• Paraffin wax immersion technique of
application:-
• Dip the part in the pool for 6 to12
times.
• After the last sheath remove the wax
from the treated part and dip the part
for one time, wait for the wax to
frozen.
• Immerse the part inside the pool.
• Keep the part in the pool from 20 to30
minutes until the wax resolved.
• Note: - be sure that the patient feels
comfortable and use pads to support
the part on the edge of pool.
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 Techniques of Application

Paraffin wax painting technique of

application
Paraffin wax is putting on the part
want to be treated by brushing.
This method of treatment used when
the patient cannot put the part in the
pool.
The therapist painting the part for 6
to12 times and covers the region by
plastic sac, advice the patient not to
move.
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 Techniques of Application

Paraffin wax pouring technique of application:-

•Protect the patient cloth and earth from wax.
•Put the part need to be treated above the pool.
•Uses a cup for pouring the wax over the area want to
be treated.
•Leave the wax to be solid.
•Repeat the method for 6 to12 times.
•Cover the part by a plastic sac.
•Leave the part treated for 20 to 30 minutes.
Note:-At the end of any techniques you must inspect
the skin.

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 Techniques of Application

( Parrafin wax with infrared cabinet):

same as technique I &II
+ place in heat cabinet at 70°C
or under infrared lamp at 0.5 m
distance.

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 Application Techniques.

( Bandaging): Wax can be also applied to the knees and elbow

by applying elasto-crepe bandages which have been
immersed in wax.
Then brushing more wax on the bandages using a paint
brush.

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 Analysis of the Techniques
• Technique I (Dipping): query need for wrapping in towel as
there is a strong rise in temperature initially.

• Technique II( by immersion) will maintain a more constant

temperature as the extremity remains in the bath.

• Technique V ( Elevation) is useful for the oedematous hands,

with dry scaly skin.

• Technique VI ( with bandaging) has limited use only for home

technique.

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