PARAFFIN WAX

BATH THERAPY
G MAHEESWARI
MPT 1ST YEAR
 CONTENT
 Principle of application
 Paraffin bath unit
 Physiological and therapeutic effects
 Indications
 Contraindications
 Dangers
 Methods of application
 INTRODUCTION
 Paraffin was bath therapy
( PWB) is an application
of molten paraffin wax
on body parts.
 It is one of the most
effective ways of
applying heat to improve
mobility by warming the
connective tissues.
 INTRODUCTION
 Melting point of wax – 51 – 55deg.
 If the molten wax is poured at that temp on body – causes
burn.
 So, impurities are added to decrease the melting point for the
safe application.
 Impurities – liquid paraffin or mineral oil.
 Thus, the temp is maintained at 40 – 44 deg C.
 Wax : paraffin : petroleum jelly – 7:3:1.
 Wax : liquid paraffin or mineral oil – 7:1.
 INTRODUCTION
 The combination of wax and mineral oil has low
specific heat.
 This enhances the patient’s ability to tolerate heat
from paraffin better than that of water at the same
temperature.
 The mode of transmission of heat from paraffin to
patients skin – CONDUCTION.
 PRINCIPLE OF APPLICATION
Conduction : As the was solidifies
from its molten state it releases its
energy of latent heat and this heat
energy is conducted into the tissues.
Latent heat – the specific amount of
energy required to change the state.
Low kinetic energy to high kinetic
energy – heat is observed.
High kinetic energy to low kinetic
energy – heat is released.
 CHARACTERISTICS OF WAX
 Low thermal conductivity , provides superficial heat
with a depth of 1 cm.
 Has low specific heat.
 It is self insulating - The first layer creates a thin
layer of air next to the skin which acts as an
insulator.
 It is analgesic – the insulating layer keeps the heat
and helps in the relief of pain.
 PARAFFIN BATH UNIT

 Container
 Mains
 Power pilot lamp
 Thermostat
 Thermostat pilot lamp
 Lid
 Caster
 PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
 HEAT PRODUCTION:
 There is a marked increase in skin temperature in the 1st two
minutes, up to 12-13°c.
 This drops , to about 8°c at the end of 20 minutes.
 In the subcutaneous fascia, there is an increase of 5°c at the
end of the treatment.
 In the superficial muscles, is only about 2-3°c rise in
temperature at the end of the treatment.
 PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
 CIRCULATING EFFECT:
 Stimulation of superficial capillaries and arterioles - cause
local hyperemia and reflex vasodilatation.
 This is marked only in the region of the skin.

 EFFECT ON SENSORY NERVES:

 Mild heating – sedative effect on sensory nerve endings.
 As wax can be moulded round the contours of the hands and feet
– can treat degenerative joint diseases by reducing pain and
spasm.
 PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
 EFFECTS ON THE SKIN :
 The skin is moist and pliable following wax application.
 Thus, helps to soften adhesions and scars in the skin prior to
mobilizations and stretching procedures.
 INDICATIONS
 Pain and Muscle Spasm:
 Wax reduces the pain and muscle spasm.

 Oedema and Inflammation:

 Reduces post-traumatic swelling
 Rheumatoid arthritis or degenerative joint disease, of the
hands and feet.
 Swelling in hands particularly in the sub-acute and early
chronic stages of inflammation.
 INDICATIONS
 Adhesions and Scars:
 Wax softens the adhesion and scar in the skin and thus
facilitates the mobilization and stretching procedures.
 CONTRAINDICATIONS
 Impaired skin sensation - anaesthesia, hyposthesia,
hyperesthesia, parasthesia.
 Some dermatological conditions - eczema,dermatitis.
 Circulatory dysfunction ( varicose veins, DVT ).
 Analgesic drugs as pain tolerance to heat is impaired.
 Infections and open wounds ( as it increases the infective
activity) such as in blood born infections.
 CONTRAINDICATIONS
 Cancer, tumors or tuberculosis ( TB) in the area to be treated
as it ↑ the metabolic activity & rate of growth.
 Lack of comprehension ( children, senile , head injuries,
confused, agitated,…)
 External or internal metal fixators, implants (metal plates in
orthopedics).
 METHODS OF APPLICATION
 There are 4 methods of application:
1. Direct pouring method.
2. Brushing method.
3. Direct immersion or dipping method.
4. Toweling or bandaging method.
 DIRECT POURING METHOD.

 The molten wax is directly

poured by a mug or utensil
on the part to be treated and
then wrapped around by a
towel.
 The wax is allowed to
solidify for about 10–12
minutes.
 Several (4–6) layers can be
made over the body tissues.
 BRUSHING METHOD.

 A brush of various sizes (4’’

or 6”) is used for the
application of molten wax
over the body tissues.
 Several coats (4–6) are
applied over the body tissues.
 Wax is allowed to solidify
and wrapped over by a towel.
 Used for areas – knee,
shoulder, elbow.
 DIRECT IMMERSION OR DIPPING METHOD.

 The body part to be treated

is directly immersed into the
container of paraffin wax
and taken out.
 Once the wax solidifies, the
part is again immersed to
make another layer of
paraffin wax and wrapped
around by a towel.
 The increase in temp – 2 deg
higher.
TOWELING OR BANDAGING METHOD.

 A towel or a roll of bandage

is immersed in molten
paraffin wax and then
wrapped around the body
part.
 Several layers can be made
over the body part.
 This method is preferably
used for treating proximal
parts of the body.
 ADVANTAGES

 Maintains good contact with highly contoured

areas
 Easy to use
 Inexpensive
 Body part can be elevated if the dip-wrap method
is used.
 Oil lubricates and conditions the skin.
 Can be used by the patient at home
 DIS - ADVANTAGES

 Messy and time-consuming to apply

 Cannot be used over an open skin lesion because
it may contaminate the lesion
 Risk of cross-contamination if the paraffin is
reused
 Part in dependent position for dip-immersion
method
 CARE OF APPARATUS
 Sterile the wax bath by heating it to 212 deg F.
 For reuse sterilization should be done frequently.
 Drain the melted paraffin was, filter it out and
replace it back for reuse.
 Change the wax atleast once in 6 months.
 PROFORMA FOR PATIENT’S
ASSESSMENT
 Receiving the patient
 Knowing details about the condition
 Preparation of trays—Two test tubes:
› One with cold water
› One with hot water.
 Preparation of apparatus:
› The temperature of the wax is checked.
 Preparation of patient:
› The nature of wax treatment is explained.
› The area to be treated is cleaned and soaked with towel.
› Any moisture on the area needs to be removed to avoid
burning.
 Correct positioning of patient:
› The patient is positioned in such a way that the part to be
treated comes in close proximity to the wax bath container.
Checking for contraindications:
›Open wound
›Ischemic disease
›Fungal infection, e.g. paronychia.
›Acute dermatitis and eczema.

Testing skin sensation:

›Two test tubes are used, one with hot and other with cold water.
›Part to be treated, needs to be checked for its intact sensation before
treatment.
 TREATMENT
 Checking the apparatus:
› Check whether thermostat is working properly.
 Application:
› Various methods of applications are used.
› Each must be followed as explained earlier.
› Treatment is given for 10 – 10 minutes.
› Wax is allowed to cool and can be reused for the next
treatment session.
 Termination:
› The patients skin should be inspected for any burn.
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8tXrNB6pyA
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 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vc9OO8DdJ
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