Paraffin has many he alth properties - it improves blood circulation, warms and relaxes the muscles and soothes aching joints. In addition, it smoothes the epidermis and makes the skin elastic, which is why it is often used as a remedy for hands. Thanks to this, paraffin has been used in medicine and cosmetology. Check what other effects of paraffin, who can use paraffin treatments and what are the contraindications to their use.

Contents:

  1. Paraffin: indications for treatments
  2. Paraffin: wraps, wraps and paraffin socks
  3. Paraffin for hands: step by step
  4. Paraffin: contraindications to treatments

Paraffinis a substance that has numerouspropertieshe alth, therefore it has foundapplicationin therapy he alth resort (specifically in thermal treatment). In contact with the patient's heat, paraffin gives the patient the accumulated thermal energy. Moreover, as it cools down, it increases its volume, causing tissue compression in the case of a circular dressing. Paraffin has a positive effect on the condition of the skin, which is why it is also used in cosmetics.

Liquid paraffin is used during paraffin treatments. From the solid to the liquid form, paraffin is transferred in a water bath by electric paraffin cookers with a thermoregulatory system. Solid paraffin melts at 42-54 degrees Celsius and boils at 250 degrees Celsius.

Paraffin: indications for treatments

  • Wound healing- when in contact with the skin, the paraffin layer usually maintains the temperature of around 40 degrees C. This stimulates microcirculation and metabolic processes. All healing processes are accelerated, as well as the excretion of toxic products of the inflammatory process.
  • Effects on muscles- thermal energy reduces muscle tension and prevents contractures of tendons and muscles after injuries.
  • Effects on joints- paraffin improves the nutrition of joints, which is of particular importance in the physical therapy of overloaded or damaged joints by rheumatic processes.
  • Help with injuries of surface nerves- e.g. facial nerve palsy.
  • Skin rejuvenation- paraffin contributes tonourishing the skin and increasing its elasticity and smoothing the epidermis

Paraffin has a high heat capacity and gives off heat very slowly.

Paraffin: wraps, wraps and paraffin socks

What are the above treatments?

  • Paraffin wraps- the treated area of ​​the body is covered with a brush with many layers of paraffin at a temperature of about 60 degrees C, giving a total of 1-2 cm. Such a dressing is wrapped in waxed paper, foil, and finally a blanket for about 30 minutes.
  • Paraffin wraps- the treated area - most often a joint, is wrapped with several layers of gauze soaked in hot paraffin. The next steps are the same as for compresses.
  • Paraffin socks for feet- the limbs are dipped several times in hot paraffin, and then the procedure is similar to paraffin baths.

Before the procedure, the hairy part of the patient's body is covered with petroleum jelly to facilitate the subsequent removal of paraffin.

Paraffin for hands: step by step

A popular way to moisturize hands, free from dry spots and irritation, is to use paraffin on the hands. The treatment is especially useful in winter and autumn, but it can be used all year round. Thanks to paraffin, the hands are smoother and softer, they gain protection against the effects of unfavorable external factors.

Paraffin for hands is a procedure available in beauty salons - it costs about PLN 20-30 and takes about 30 minutes. However, you can also make it yourself at home.

Paraffin for hands: what will you need?

  • cosmetic paraffin
  • foil bags
  • terry gloves
  • hand cream and peeling
  • saucepan
  • cup

Paraffin for hands: how to apply?

1.First, heat the paraffin in a saucepan - the cost of paraffin in a cube is about PLN 30 / kg, and the paraffin itself should be enough for a dozen uses. When the paraffin is liquid, leave it to cool down in the vessel and then pour it into a bowl where you dip your hands.

2.Before the paraffin cools down, wash your hands and perform a gentle hand peeling combined with a short massage.

3.Then wet your hands - up to the wrists (first check that it is not too hot by e.g. putting a drop of paraffin on the arm). Dip your hands 3 to 5 times, then put plastic bags on them, terry gloves on them and leave for 15 minutes.

4.After this time, take off your gloves and remove the paraffin with them.

Done!

Paraffin: contraindications for treatments

  • early stages of injury - in this case, paraffin may increase post-traumatic exudate and bleeding
  • acute inflammation of the joints - local congestion can intensify inflammation
  • early healing scars
  • cavities and skin ulcers at the treatment site
  • necrotic and trophic changes after injuries, incl. Sudecka team
  • damage to the vein-lymphatic system at the treatment site
  • osteoporosis - in this case, the increasing pressure of the paraffin dressing is unfavorable, which may deteriorate the blood supply to the tissues and cause their necrosis.

It is also inadvisable to perform multiple treatments in one cycle (over 20), as it promotes osteoporosis of nearby bones.

Bibliography:

Kasprzak W., Mańkowska A.,Physical therapy, spa medicine and SPA , Wydawnictwo Lekarskie PZWL, Warsaw 2008

Category:

Pregnancy