WAX BATH

Typical Number in Hospital: 2

Cost Bands: 2

References: 10

This is usually a thermostatically controlled heating vessel typically 25 cm by 50 cm in which a wax is heated to approximately 40-44[d]C. Heating may be direct or via a water jacket. Hot wax treatment is one of a number of methods used in the physiotherapy department for applying heat to the body. The heated wax is transferred to a secondary vessel (bowl) and is then transferred to the area being treated. In some cases the patient immerses the limb being treated into the bowl and lifts it out so that some wax solidifies on the skin. The process is repeated several times until a thick coating of wax is formed. The wax is a poor conductor of heat and releases the heat slowly into the limb as it solidifies.

Wax baths are also used in the preparation of ear moulds and further details may be found under that heading.