SPRAY BATH.
This bath consists in a number of fine streams of water thrown upon the bather, with considerable force. It may be produced by connecting a hose with spray attachment to a force-pump or reservoir from which to obtain water under a sufficient pressure. The best form of attachment consists of a hollow double-convex brass or copper piece, one side of which is perforated with fine holes, the other side carrying a rim for attachment to the hose. It is preferable to have an arrangement by which the temperature may be readily and gradually changed from warm or tepid to cool without interrupting the bath. In the absence of a proper spray attachment, the apparatus elsewhere described for the hose douche may be made to answer a very good purpose, the stream being broken by placing the thumb or finger over the nozzle in such a way as to partially obstruct the flow.
This is an excellent bath to follow the pack, vapor bath, hot-air bath, sitz bath, or any other general bath which induces perspiration. It is very agreeable to most persons, and can be applied to feeble patients who would be unable to take any more severe form of treatment. The alternate hot and cold spray is very successful as a means of reducing local inflammations. The warm bath is very grateful and soothing to swollen and rheumatic joints; in gout, also, and illy defined, wandering pains, it is an admirable remedy. It is very successful, also, in the treatment of tumors, abscesses, and chronic ulcers, when thoroughly applied.