Paraffin Wax Baths, Paraffin Wax Refills

How do Paraffin Baths Work?

Because paraffin, a mineral wax derived from petroleum, has such a high heat retaining capacity, it is able to more effectively transfer this heat into our body parts when it is in a melted, liquid state. Unlike waxes used for depilatory practices, paraffin is much softer with a lower melting point, about 125 to 135 degrees Fahrenheit. This lower temperature makes it safe to immerse skin without risks of burns or irritation.

A paraffin bath will heat the wax to this specific temperature and maintain this constant heat throughout the course of the treatment. Hands or feet are dipped into the bath and withdrawn to allow the wax layer to solidify. Moreover, a spa technician or therapist may ‘paint’ other affected parts of the body with the melted wax instead of dipping, when appropriate. When one wax layer is dried or solidified on the body part, it is dipped or painted again. This process is repeated several times to the desired thickness and then wrapped in an insulating material to further retain the healing heat.

The heat that is retained so effectively within the paraffin wax is conducted into the skin and body for a great feeling, deep moist heat therapeutic treatment. Paraffin baths help to open the skin’s pores and increase circulation. Not only do they provide wonderful pain relief for aching joints and muscles, but they also soften and moisturize the skin, leaving it more radiant and healthy.

Are Paraffin Baths Safe and Sanitary?

Because paraffin wax contains no water or oxygen, maintaining the wax at around 130 °F creates a hostile environment for pathogens to survive. Studies that specifically researched adding fungi and bacteria to paraffin wax baths demonstrated that these harmful pathogens do not live long in this type of environment.

The heated paraffin wax creates an instant barrier on the skin, as our skin is about 22 degrees cooler than the melting point of paraffin, making it solidify as soon as it touches the skin. Because of this instantaenous barrier, any dirt or germs that were on the skin are unable to contaminate the melted wax in the bath. Paraffin wax has also been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Adminstration as an emollient used to smooth and soften the skin.

The paraffin that has been dipped or painted should not be reused, however. Paraffin removed from your skin will tend to contain materials that will form sediment on the bottom of the bath unit.

A paraffin bath should not be used by anyone with decreased sensation of extremities or peripheral vascular disease, or by anyone with paraffin or petroleum product sensitivities. Other contraindications for use include circulatory impairments, acute inflammation, inflammatory skin conditions and open cuts or wounds. As some physicians actually do recommend the use of paraffin baths for some patients with peripheral vascular disease, it is always recommended to consult with your own healthcare professional before using paraffin baths.

What are the Benefits of Paraffin Baths?

As a common and traditional treatment option for sore and stiff joints and muscles, paraffin baths are versatile and fast-acting, offering deep, moist heat therapy for a wide range of conditions. They also provide wonderful benefits for the skin. Paraffin treatments are employed by a number of varied healthcare and spa professionals that include physical therapists, occupational therapists, massage therapists, athletic/sports trainers and physicians, rehabilitation professionals, reflexologists, chiropractors, podiatrists, pain management specialists, rheumatologists, hand therapists and many other medical and healthcare professionals.

Because it feels so good and offers such wonderful healing relief, it is used for a host of health issues that include arthritis (both rheumatoid and osteo-), fibromyalgia, muscle-tendon-ligament issues, strains, sprains, spasms, bursitis, tendinitis, scleroderma, dry/cracked skin, chronic joint inflammation, aging/worn-out skin and to help increase range of motion.

Rehabmart is pleased to offer several superior quality paraffin bath units and related accessories for both home and spa utilization from such respected manufacturers as Ideal Products, Fabrication Enterprises and North Coast.

Hulet Smith, OT
Rehabmart Co-Founder & CEO

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